Eighteen youths with learning disabilities graduate from this year's Project SEARCH programme
Since starting in 2010, almost 300 youngsters have taken part in Project SEARCH in Lanarkshire, gaining valuable skills and work experience to help them find jobs.
Eighteen young people with learning disabilities have graduated from this year's Project SEARCH programme - marking 15 years since the initiative began in Lanarkshire.
Since starting in 2010, almost 300 youngsters have taken part in Project SEARCH in Lanarkshire, gaining valuable skills and work experience to help them find jobs.
The programme started at University Hospital Wishaw and later expanded to university hospitals Monklands and Hairmyres.
It is delivered in partnership by NHS Lanarkshire, New College Lanarkshire, North and South Lanarkshire councils, Serco and ISS.
Martin Hill, chair of NHS Lanarkshire, said: "This event is always a highlight of the year for NHS Lanarkshire - and for good reason.
"It's a chance to celebrate the hard work of our students and the difference that real opportunities and strong partnerships can make.
"Some of this year's graduates are already moving into work, including jobs with NHS Lanarkshire.
"That's something we're really proud of. It shows how we're helping create real career paths for people in our communities."
During the programme, each student completes two or three work placements in hospital departments, learning new skills and building confidence., with many going on to find jobs and live more independently.
North Lanarkshire Council Provost Kenneth Duffy said: "I was delighted to be part of Project SEARCH's graduation.
"The event recognises the learning achievements and skills development of young people with a view to them securing and retaining employment.
"It was great to hear first-hand the students' experiences and their plans for the future.
"Key to the project's success is the strong partnership working in place between the organisations involved who continue to support young adults increasing their employability, confidence and chance of securing employment in the general job market.
"Congratulations to everyone involved."
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Glasgow Times
12 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
New calming garden space for dementia patients at Udston
The project at Udston Hospital's Brandon Ward was a collaboration between NHS Lanarkshire and energy transformation organisation, Vital Energi. This initiative aligns with the health board's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. The garden area (Image: Supplied) The funding for the garden was applied by the sustainability team and included an element of community investment along with low-carbon solutions. The garden area has been designed to provide a peaceful retreat for patients, their families, and staff. Read more: Man charged after 'wilful fire raising' and 'vandalism' at cemetery Care worker sexually and physically abused youngsters for nearly a decade Stuart Ward, biodiversity manager at NHS Lanarkshire, said: "I would like to give a big thank you to Aidan Whetham, construction degree apprentice, and his team of volunteers at Vital Energi for the hard work and resources that have helped turn an unused garden space into an area especially for patients, staff, and visitors. "The transformation and positive impact it will have on patients is immeasurable." Craig Brown, head of sustainability and environmental performance at NHS Lanarkshire, said: "We applied for this funding via the Scottish Government Greening Public Sector Estates Decarbonisation Scheme and were fortunate enough to receive £2 million. "This funding was primarily used to improve the energy efficiency at Kirklands Headquarters and the West of Scotland Laundry by installing solar panels on both key sites, among other significant energy efficiency measures. "Not only does the Brandon Ward project support NHS Lanarkshire's goal to save nearly 200 tonnes of carbon emissions, but it has also been equally rewarding to contribute to something so special for patients – a peaceful, reflective space that supports wellbeing. "We hope this is the first of many energy efficiency projects as we work towards further improving the greenspace and biodiversity across our sites." Kieran Walsh, regional director at Vital Energi, said: "We are honoured to have supported the Brandon Ward at Udston Hospital by creating a new outdoor space designed with compassion and care for patients living with dementia and their families. "Our hope was to offer a place of comfort during what can be incredibly difficult times. "Thanks to the dedication of the Vital Energi Scotland team and the generosity of our volunteers and contributors, we've been able to give back to the wider community of Lanarkshire."
Daily Record
14 hours ago
- Daily Record
NHS Lanarkshire advising locals UK childhood vaccination schedule is being updated from July 1
Key changes include the removal of the Hib/MenC (Menitorix) vaccine at 12 months. NHS Lanarkshire is advising locals that, from tomorrow, July 1, the UK childhood vaccination schedule is being updated. Key changes include the removal of the Hib/MenC (Menitorix) vaccine at 12 months; adjustments to the timing of MenB and PCV (pneumococcal) vaccines; and the introduction of a new 18-month appointment for a fourth dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine. Download the Lanarkshire Live app today A more detailed breakdown follows below: Phase 1 Changes to the one-year appointment: Hib/MenC (Menitorix): The combined Hib/MenC vaccine, given at the one-year appointment, is being discontinued. MenB and PCV: The second dose of MenB vaccine will be moved from 16 weeks to 12 weeks, while the first dose of PCV vaccine will move from 12 weeks to 16 weeks. Selective Neonatal Hepatitis B programme: The monovalent hepatitis B vaccine dose at one year will be discontinued for children in this program. Phase 2 Introduction of an 18-month appointment from January 1, 2026: A new 18-month appointment will be introduced for a fourth dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine (DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB). This fourth dose will replace the Hib component of the previously given Hib/MenC vaccine. The second dose of MMR vaccine may be moved from three years, four months to 18 months at this appointment. The rationale for the changes is that the Hib/MenC vaccine is being discontinued because the sole brand, Menitorix, is no longer produced and stocks are being depleted. Adjusting the timing of the MenB and PCV vaccines is intended to provide better protection against MenB during the period when most cases occur (one-to-three months). The fourth 6-in-1 dose at 18 months ensures continued strong immunity to diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, hepatitis B, and Hib. And moving the second MMR dose to 18 months may improve uptake and reduce measles outbreaks. Parents or carers who have questions about the changes can speak to their health visitor and should continue to attend their vaccination appointment as scheduled.
Daily Record
16 hours ago
- Daily Record
New dementia-friendly garden blooms for NHS Lanarkshire
The project is part of the health board's commitment to reducing its carbon emissions. NHS Lanarkshire worked with energy transformation organisation, Vital Energi, to enhance the garden area of Udston Hospital's Brandon Ward. This unit supports patients living with dementia, and their families, who can now benefit from this calming greenspace. The project is part of NHS Lanarkshire's commitment to reducing its carbon emissions. The health board's sustainability team successfully applied to Vital Energi for funding, where an element of community investment was included alongside low-carbon solutions. Part of this funding was used to create a dedicated garden area that's calming and meaningful for patients, their families and staff. The Vital Energi Scotland team worked enthusiastically with NHS Lanarkshire's biodiversity manager, Stuart Ward, to transform the Hamilton courtyard into a therapeutic, dementia-friendly space with new planters and a range of plants and flowers. Download the Lanarkshire Live app today Stuart said: 'I would like to give a big thank you to Aidan Whetham, construction degree apprentice, and his team of volunteers at Vital Energi for the hard work and resources that have helped turn an unused garden space into an area especially for patients, staff and visitors. The transformation and positive impact it will have on patients is immeasurable.' Craig Brown, head of sustainability and environmental performance at NHS Lanarkshire, said: 'We applied for this funding via the Scottish Government Greening Public Sector Estates Decarbonisation Scheme and were fortunate enough to receive £2 million. 'This funding was primarily used to improve the energy efficiency at Kirklands Headquarters and the West of Scotland Laundry by installing solar panels on both key sites, among other significant energy efficiency measures. 'Not only does the Brandon Ward project support NHS Lanarkshire's goal to save nearly 200 tonnes of carbon emissions, but it has also been equally rewarding to contribute to something so special for patients – a peaceful, reflective space that supports wellbeing. 'We hope this is the first of many energy efficiency projects as we work towards further improving the greenspace and biodiversity across our sites.' Kieran Walsh, regional director for Vital Energi, commented: 'We are honoured to have supported the Brandon Ward at Udston Hospital by creating a new outdoor space designed with compassion and care for patients living with dementia and their families. Our hope was to offer a place of comfort during what can be incredibly difficult times. 'Being part of something that has a real, tangible impact on end users in local communities is what makes this work so fulfilling. 'Thanks to the dedication of the Vital Energi Scotland team and the generosity of our volunteers and contributors, we've been able to give back to the wider community of Lanarkshire.'
