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Plymouth's Local Offer brings together information about education, health, social care, leisure activities, support services and preparing for adulthood for children and young people aged 0-25 with SEND. It has been developed with young people, families and local services to help you understand the support available and how to access it. The Local Offer can help you find information about:education and trainingEHCPs and SEND supportpreparing for adulthoodemployment and volunteeringhealth and wellbeing servicesindependent livingmoney and benefitscommunity activities and support networks Visit Plymouth's Local Offer: www.plymouthonlinedirectory.com/plymouthlocaloffer

A range of local providers offer programmes for young people with SEND, including those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Local providers include:City College PlymouthAchievement TrainingSkills GroupEat That FrogArts University PlymouthCornwall CollegeOn Course South WestDiscovery CollegeLifeworks College For a full overview of local provision and transition support, click the website links above.

Here in Plymouth, there are a variety of organisations and programmes that can offer dedicated support to help young people with SEND needs to develop skills, gain experience and prepare for employment, including:Connect to Work - supported employment programmeSCOPE UK - online employability skills trainingPLUSS - support for building employability skills and finding workComplete Independence - support for entering training, education and workCareers Plymouth - support with post-16 education, employment or training options (EHCP required)Jobcentre Plus Disability Employment Advisers - for Universal Credit claimants, there are specialist Disability Employer Advisers and Autism leads. Ask the Work Coach at your local Jobcentre. Support can include:careers guidanceemployability skillsCV writinginterview preparationconfidence buildingjob searchingin-work support. Click the website links above to explore this further.

Some young people may benefit from personalised support to help them prepare for, find and sustain paid employment. Connect to Work provides tailored supported employment for people who face barriers to work, including many young people with disabilities, health conditions and additional support needs. Support may include:understanding career goals and interestsidentifying suitable job opportunitiesCV and application supportinterview preparationin-work supportworking with employers to create inclusive workplacesongoing support once employment has been secured. Connect to Work uses a person-centred approach, helping individuals build confidence and move towards sustainable employment at a pace that works for them. Find out more - Connect to Work – Supported Employment Programme | PLYMOUTH.GOV.UK

Young people may wish to progress to university or higher-level study. Local higher education providers include:University of PlymouthPlymouth Marjon UniversityArts University PlymouthCity College Plymouth (university-level courses) Although an EHCP ends when a young person enters higher education, universities offer a range of support through disability and inclusion teams, learning support services and Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). Click the website links above and look at the funding pages of these providers to find out more.

Supported Internships provide valuable work-based learning opportunities for young people aged 16-24 with an EHCP. They help young people:develop independencebuild workplace skillsgain confidenceprepare for paid employmentimprove English and maths where needed. Our dedicated Supported Internships page provides further information about local opportunities.

Apprenticeships can provide an excellent route into employment by combining paid work with recognised qualifications. Support is available to help apprentices with SEND succeed in the workplace and complete their training programme. See our apprenticeships page for more information on the opportunity to earn while you learn – and look out for Disability Confident employers when applying for vacancies.

Volunteering and work experience help young people build confidence, develop employability skills and explore career interests. Opportunities may include:community projectscharity organisationsretailadministrationcustomer serviceenvironmental and outdoor projects. These experiences can be valuable stepping stones towards employment, and will look good on a CV. See our Volunteering and Work Experience page for top tips.

Plymouth offers exciting opportunities across a wide range of industries.The city is home to:the largest naval base in Western Europethe UK's first National Marine Parka thriving manufacturing sectorgrowing healthcare and life sciences industriesdigital and creative businessesemerging green and Net Zero industries. Young people with SEND have a valuable contribution to make across all sectors, and there are many pathways available to help them achieve their goals.

Useful local services include:Plymouth Information, Advice and Support for SEND (PIAS) Independent information, advice and support for children, young people and families. www.plymouthias.org.uk  Plymouth Parent Carer Voice A forum representing families of children and young people with SEND. www.plymouthpcv.co.uk Plymouth Online Directory Information about education, health, care and transition services. www.plymouthonlinedirectory.com Plymouth's Graduated Approach to Inclusion (GATI) Resources and guidance to support inclusion across Plymouth. https://plymouthgati.co.uk/  Neurodiversity Advice LineThe Children, Young People and Families Neurodiversity Team at Livewell Southwest operates an advice line for young people and families with a neurodiversity diagnosis or who are on the Neurodiversity Pathway. Telephone: 01752 435404 Opening Times:Monday to Friday9am to 11am2pm to 4pm