Story
"DFN Project SEARCH saved my life."
"Jonathan has found his voice and is using it a lot. The transformation in Jonathan is unrecognisable."
"As a parent, I would wholeheartedly recommend DFN Project SEARCH. It has not only transformed our son’s life, but our families too."
DFN Project SEARCH is a charity that aims to transform lives and with supporters like you, we have done just that.
So far, we have helped over 2000 young adults with learning disabilities and, or, autism spectrum conditions find jobs, but there’s more to it than that.
By helping young adults with learning disabilities into meaningful employment, we enable independence and the ability to lead healthier and happier lives. The impact doesn’t stop there, employment often also transforms the lives of the young persons family.
We are passionate about creating this change and our CEO, Claire Cookson, and one of our Programme Specialists, George Pickersgill, are running the Brighton Marathon in April.
Take a look at some of the young people we have managed to help.
Alex's Story
Cameron's Story
Cameron Smith is a DFN Project SEARCH Graduate. He is currently 27 years old and owns a three bedroom house in Scotland. Cameron attended a mainstream school, where he was a vocal participant in the classroom but struggled when it came to socialising outside of lessons. He remembers “hiding away at lunch”, partly because he was shy and “didn’t really know what to say to folks” and partly because he often found himself the target of bullying. After college, he took part in a DFN Project SEARCH programme which has resulted in him having a rewarding job at the Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD). Cameron believes his career at SCLD would not have been possible if he hadn’t taken part in a DFN Project SEARCH programme when he left school in 2013.
Bibi's Story
With your support, we can help more young people like Cameron, Alex and Bibi.
Meet our Runners
Claire Cookson - CEO of DFN Project SEARCH
George Pickersgill - Programme Specialist