Hartlepool Borough Council was proud to host a special graduation and awards event to celebrate the incredible achievements of supported interns and volunteers with additional needs and/or autism.
The event - which took place at the Centre for Independent Living - was an opportunity to honour not only their hard work and growth but also the unwavering support of the Hartlepool employers and mentors who have guided them along the way.
Supported internships are a structured, work-based study programme for 17-25 year olds with additional needs and/or autism, designed to help them gain the skills, experience and confidence they need to move into paid employment.
The Council’s volunteering programme is another great way that people with additional needs and/or autism are supported to build skills, meet new people and feel part of the community.
Almost 30 young adults received certificates at the ceremony to mark their completion of internships with either the Council or with Asda, or to mark their community volunteering achievements.
One of the proudest moments of the event came when some of the young adults took to the stage in front of the large audience to host a question-and-answer session and talk with confidence about their experiences, achievements and plans for the future.
Some of the supported interns and volunteers took to the stage to host a question-and-answer session: (l. to r.) Noah Hunter, Leah Maughan, David Boyd, Mitchell Jenkins, Tom Collins, Emily Sudron plus event compere Olivia Kerr-Morgan
Certificates were presented to:
Completion of Hartlepool Borough Council Internships
Mitchell Jenkins
Thomas Collins
Emily Sudron
Macey Bigwood
Jack Richardson
Finley Coleman
Some of the Hartlepool Borough Council Supported Interns with their awards: (left to right) Tom Collins, Emily Sudron, Finley Coleman, Mitchell Jenkins, Macey Bigwood and Jack Richardson
Completion of Asda Internships
Aimee Mitchell
Leah Maughan
Kieran Hunter
Noah Hunter
Joshua Grainger
Some of the Asda Supported Interns with their awards: (left to right) Joshua Grainger, Leah Maughan, Noah Hunter, Kieran Hunter and Aimee Mitchell
Community Volunteering Achievements
Alice Crinson
Michael Ainger
Cheryl Mcdonald
Jay Collins
Tom Proctor
Ethan Bryson
David Boyd
Paige Llewellyn
Thomas Maw
Jamie Haresnape
Benjamin Shave
Billy Wearmouth
Connor Scott
Scott Mcelvey
Vicky Faulkner
Jeanette Potts
Gavin Cummings
Some of the Community Volunteer award winners: (left to right) Cheryl Mcdonald, Jay Collins, Thomas Maw, Tom Proctor, Alice Crinson, Ethan Bryson, David Boyd, Benjamin Shave, Michael Ainger and Jamie Haresnape
Awards were also presented to:
Outstanding Mentor for the ASDA Internships: Tony Marsh
Outstanding Mentor for the Hartlepool Borough Council Internships: Paul Hunt
Outstanding Mentor for Volunteering: Paul Benson
Outstanding Contribution to Intern Development: Hartlepool Art Gallery
Outstanding Contribution to Volunteer Development: Surfside Restaurant and Kilmarnock Little Stars Nursery
Pathway to Employment Award: Gamers@Hart
Councillor Christine Wiley, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Adult Services and Public Health Committee, said: “Congratulations to all the supported interns and volunteers on their fantastic achievements.
“Their commitment, determination and growing confidence are an inspiration to us all and they should be incredibly proud of what they have accomplished.
“These programmes create valuable and often life-changing opportunities for people with additional needs and/or autism to develop skills, gain experience and build their independence.
“They are made possible through the support of dedicated employers, community organisations and mentors, and we are extremely grateful for their commitment.
“We wish all of our award winners every success for the future and would encourage more local employers to please get involved and help make a difference to people’s lives.”
If you’re a local business ready to get involved – or if you’re someone who would like to join one of our programmes – please email SI@hartlepool.gov.uk.