Synergy - Enquiry

All young people with and without SEND should be able to get into work or get involved with their local community through volunteering.

Working or volunteering is good for you, it will help you build your confidence, meet new people, become more independent and even earn your own money to buy the things you want and need.

In this section, you will find out more information about services and support that can help you achieve employment, work experience move out or start your own business, and even moving out if that's something you are working towards

Getting out and about independently
Work experience
Getting a job
Starting your own business
Moving out

If you are not yet able to travel by yourself, you may benefit from Independent Travel Training. It could be the first step in getting you ready for work, volunteering or work experience!

How it works:

You will meet someone called a 'Travel Enabler' who works for Barnsley Council. They will meet with you and other people in your family and talk to you about your needs and ask about your experience of travelling.

Once they know more about the kind of support you need, they'll arrange to do a practical assessment with you. They'll look at what's needed to help you to travel confidently and safely.

They will work with you to plan routes for places that you want to go. You'll think about using public transport, walking, crossing roads and anything else that you might be worried about.

To help you they can use things like flip-over books and pictures showing the routes by landmarks, you'll get a help card with emergency contact numbers in case you need them.

Find out more:

You can find out more information as well as apply for Independent Travel Training here.

If you're in Post-16 Education and Training, think about adding some work experience to your studies. It's a valuable way to learn job skills and get a feel for the working world.

Here are some options to boost your employability and prepare for future jobs:

Supported Employment and Volunteering Service: This service helps lots of Barnsley people with learning difficulties and disabilities to find paid jobs or supported volunteering, you can take a look at their leaflet, email supportedemploymentservice@barnsley.gov.uk or ring 07818 561552 for more information.

Inclusive Offer Employer Toolkit: if you’re volunteering or working for an organisation, signpost them to our Employer Toolkit to make sure you’re getting all the support you need.

Watch this great video all about the service 👇

Supported Internship: If you need extra help, a supported internship can give you work experience and skills. If you have an EHCP it will continue for one more year while you are on a supported internship.

You can read more about supported internships on the Local Offer here.

Barnsley Community Volunteering Service (CVS): They support volunteers and have lots of opportunities to boost your confidence and CV. On their website, you can add in the days and times that you are free, then tick the stuff you are interested in - like working with animals or working in a charity shop. Then it shows you what opportunities will fit in with your routine.

Take a look here: Barnsley CVS Volunteering Opportunities

College Job Shop: If you're going to Barnsley College, or somewhere similar they usually have job shops advertising part-time work opportunities. Ask a staff member at your college if this is something they do.

Most young people with SEND can realistically aim for a paid job. There are plenty of services to help you find employment.

Learn more about these services below.

Employment is for Everyone – A charity focused on supporting those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities into paid employment or volunteering. You can find more information here.

Supported Employment and Volunteering service – Provide support with training, supported work placements and help with finding paid employment. You can find out more here.

Independent Travel Training service – being able to travel independently helps to make employment more accessible. Click here to find out more information and how to apply.

Access to Work – is funding from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that can provide practical and financial support to start work and remain in work. You can find out more information including eligibility, how to claim and what support you may get here.

Mencap – Support you with developing work and training skills. You can find more information here.

Barnsley Youth Hub – provide a range of services tailored to you to boost your confidence and employability, as well as targeted support to gain paid employment. You can find out more information here.

Prince’s Trust – Provide a range of support to gain paid employment. You can find out more information and complete their online form here.

💡 Have you got a great idea for a business?

🔨 Maybe you are brilliant at fixing things

🧵 Maybe you are a sewing machine whizz, do you make handmade gifts or upcycle furniture?

You might want to use your skills and talents to start your own business or become self-employed.

The following services provide valuable support, offering start-up grants and practical assistance to guide you through each stage of the process.

Barnsley Youth Hub – Provide a range of support if you are thinking of starting your own business or looking at self-employment. You can find out more information here

Enterprise Barnsley – Can give you help and support you if you want to start your own business or just want to explore this further. You can find out more here.

Launchpad – Provides support if you're looking to start your own business. This includes workshops that will take you step-by-step in setting up a business. You can find out more information here.

Prince’s Trust – Offer grants and practical support for young people looking to start their own businesses. For more information click here.

Access to Work – is funding from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that gives practical and financial support if you are looking to move into self-employment or start your own business. You can find out more about eligibility, how to claim and what support you may get here.

If you're a young person with disabilities dreaming of moving out and living on your own, or somewhere else with support ] there's some fantastic services out there to help make it happen

Take a look at what's on offer

Tenants First

🔑 This service from Berneslai Homes helps you live on your own with support. They can help with applications, budgeting, and home maintenance.

Find out more about Tenants First here

You can look at the Berneslai Homes website here, which includes how to make a housing application.

Adult Social Care

🏠 If you're eligible, Adult Social Care can support your living arrangements.

You could talk to a social worker about your options, visit the Transitioning to Adult Social Care Page here

Shared Lives

🤔 Have you heard about Shared Lives?

Shared lives is where a carer opens up their home and family lives to include a young person or adult who needs extra support to live well. They become that person's carer; sharing their family and community life with them. Read more about it here

Work Experience, Employment & Starting your own business

Getting out and about by yourself: Independent Travel Training

Do you want to get some work experience, or try volunteering?

Help to get a job

Starting your own business

Moving out

Contact us

Find us on Facebook!

Help us improve the Local Offer Website

Current ways to have your say

Keeping you up to date with SEND improvements

Take a look at the Local Offer Newsletters’ (Opens in New Window)

BMBC Strategies

Worried about a child?

Barnsley's Virtual Family Hub