Three young adults with learning disabilities have graduated from Camden's Project Choice programme, run in partnership with the Royal Free Hospital.

The Health Education England programme - supported locally by Camden Council and the Royal Free Hospital - aims to increase young people’s confidence, social skills, work and employability skills in a wide range of job roles to prepare them for the move from education to employment. As interns, the three Camden young people spent one year learning work skills in three placements, each up to 12 weeks long. 

On 22 July, Camden Council staff who support Project Choice attended the graduation of the Class of 2022, which included Camden interns Leona, Sam and Rebecca. The three graduates dressed formally for the event, ready for their moment in the spotlight.

Leona has secured full-time work at the Royal Free Hospital, which the hospital trust has agreed to convert into an apprenticeship so that she can complete a level 2 qualification in hospitality during her employment there. 

Sam has secured a paid part-time position with Hilton Hotels - currently 12 hours per week, which is set to increase in September. He is also due to carry out 12 hours per week of support volunteering at the Royal Free Hospital, working around his paid hours. 

Rebecca has also secured a paid part-time position with ASOS (8 hours per week). Should Rebecca pass her 12-week probation, her hours are likely to increase. Like Sam, she will also carry out 12 hours of support volunteering at the Royal Free Hospital, working around her paid hours. 

Members of the Royal Free Hospital's catering management team, who worked closely with Sam and Rebecca, said: “They bought so much to the team, every day. As a team, we got so much out of this - they really boosted our team spirit; such a wonderful group of young people.”

Sam Brown, Project Choice's area manager, said: “I have been witness to the strongest team of young people.”

To find out more about Project Choice and other Supported Internships for Camden young people, please email gisele.jumpp@camden.gov.uk.