Aspire event for young people with learning disabilities

Young people with learning disabilities are being given a taste of life after school at event aimed as inspiring decisions and providing choice.

"Aspire" is an event for parents, carers and, most importantly, young people with learning disabilities to find out more about the options open to them after they turn 16.

This type of support is known as ‘transition’ and aims to make the move from childhood to adulthood easier and, in particular, the change from children’s to adult social care services smoother.

It is open to all Plymouth students with statements of special educational needs aged between 14 and 19 and will showcase a range of post 16 opportunities available in and around Plymouth.

The event will take place on Monday 9 December at the Plymouth Guildhall from 9am to 3pm and will include workshops for young people to try out activities including boccia, archery and table tennis. There will also be dance workshops by Attik Dance and Street Factory Studios.

Councillor Nicky Williams, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “A lot of really valuable work has taken place to improve our transition support for young people with disabilities. It was one of the 100 Pledges we made and this demonstrates our on-going efforts in this important area. Aspire will help to show young people first-hand the kind of opportunities out there for them. I hope it will inspire some excellent career and personal choices and I hope young people set their sights high.”

For more information about transition services in Plymouth visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/transition