Autism Plus Employment Services Celebrated at ERSA Employability Awards for Supporting Young Neurodivergent Adults

Autism Plus Employment Services has been recognised at the ERSA Employability Awards, the biggest celebration in the employment support sector, winning the Youth Employment category for its work through the SEND Youth Hub programme. The programme supports neurodivergent young adults, helping them develop skills, gain confidence, and access meaningful employment opportunities.

In addition, Autism Plus was named a finalist for Tailored Employment Support, highlighting the organisation’s dedication to providing personalised pathways into work that meet the unique needs of each individual.

The SEND Youth Hub is a specialist programme aimed at helping young people with any special educational need overcome barriers and progress towards volunteering, education, work placements, or paid employment. Autism Plus is one of only two specialist SEND Youth Hubs in the United Kingdom, with the programme funded via Sheffield City Council and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The SEND Youth Hub brings together all Jobcentre support into the Autism Plus office, giving young people access to a specialist Youth Work Coach and Progression Mentors who provide one to one support to overcome barriers.

Participants receive up to 26 weeks of specialist support, with an additional 13 weeks available to sustain employment if they move into work before the programme ends.

Suzanne Eusman, Head of Employment Services, said: “We are delighted to be recognised at the ERSA Employability Awards, the sector’s largest celebration of employment support. The SEND Youth Hub demonstrates the impact of inclusive, person centred support, helping young people take meaningful steps towards careers, training, or volunteering.”

This recognition underscores Autism Plus’s ongoing commitment to breaking down barriers to employment, ensuring every young person has access to the guidance and opportunities they need to succeed.