In 2023, Positive Path Foundation began a pilot programme in partnership with Empowering Employment, part of Minstead Trust.

The two organisations have collaborated to create a bespoke pathway into employment, for young people with hidden disabilities.

The partnership draws on the knowledge and expertise of both organisations and provides an all-encompassing support network to help members step into the working world and “Thrive, not just survive”.

Through this new arrangement, all members of the Positive Path Foundation that are ready for employment will be welcomed by Empowering Employment in Hampshire and in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area.

Likewise, anyone who joins Empowering Employment can be signposted to Positive Path Foundation, to help improve the social and emotional wellbeing of the people we are working with.

Jane Atkinson, Founder of Positive Path Foundation said: ‘We are delighted to be working with Empowering Employment which is part of Minstead Trust, many of our members have hidden disabilities so do not receive social care support, so to be able to access employment services is a real benefit for our members.’

Chris Hillman, Head of Empowering Employment, part of Minstead Trust said: ‘We are so excited about the Positive Path Foundation members joining our programmes, they are exceptional young people who will be key to the workforce of the future. We are also glad to offer the social benefits of Positive Path Foundation to some of our participants, for many of them, this is their first step out of education so socialising with others on the same journey is paramount to their success.’

The charities are aiming to tackle the chronically low levels of employment among people with learning disabilities, which is only 4.8% (NHS Digital 2022), and help more people into employment.

This unique and trailblazing team-up has seen young people employed across Hampshire and Dorset, in Hospitality, Horticulture, IT and the Legal Industry.

Empowering Employment recognises the talents and lived experience of those with hidden disabilities, and this partnership now offers a bespoke pathway, just for members of the Positive Path Foundation.

If you are a PPF Member, who would like to be supported through this programme, please click “REGISTER YOUR INTEREST” at the bottom of this page.

If you would like to become a PPF Member, please contact Jane – [email protected] or Shelley –[email protected]

If you are a business who would like to explore the benefits of hiring people with hidden disabilities, please contact Chris Hillman – chris.hillman@minsteadtrust.org.uk

This work and its successes could not be achieved without the support of our supporters, notably the Charles Burnett Fund & the Hampshire IOW Community Foundation.

Click here for more information about Empowering Employment.