Future Choices

A five-day week programme across the academic year which includes a combination of work experience, volunteering, skill building and health and wellbeing support. The programme is to help people to move into Supported Internships or into work.

Future Choices is for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities aged 16-24. It is designed to be a solid foundation for young people as they transition to work and independent living.

The programme is for those who either need further support or are not yet ready to do a Supported Internship or other work experience. Those who are on the programme are called pre- interns to illustrate the fact that for many, this will be a step towards a Supported Internship.

This programme is designed to prepare you for adulthood and particularly to get you ready for work. It is a flexible programme for those who need a more supportive environment with a local employer. The programme is designed to help people on their career path at their own pace.

Flexibility

The flexibility of Future Choices also makes it ideal for you if you require a shorter or longer time to be ready for a supported internship or paid work. Our expectation is that you will be ambitious to find work and gain independence. No previous work experience is necessary.  

Future Choices runs during term time from 9.30am – 4.00pm for 5 days a week. The programme is for one year. As a pre-intern, you will have three rotations each year attending different vocational options for three days per week. This will either be within Surrey Choices Skills Development or other employment settings. These will be identified when we meet with you and your family. The remaining two days per week are spent on activities that will help you to gain life skills, improve your health and wellbeing, expand your friendship groups and meet your personal goals. Further activities will be offered during academic break, in the evening and over the weekend at an additional cost (subject to the Education, Health and Care Plan identified need).  

The programme runs throughout the year, it is not a college of replacement for accredited courses. There are no minimum qualifications required to join the programme and the study of English and Maths is not mandatory. 

The flexibility of the programme means that if you are offered a paid job, you can either reduce the hours on your programme or leave Future Choices. If you wish to leave, you will have continued support from Future Choices to maintain your new employment and keep the social relationships you have made with us. Your outcomes will be reviewed annually to determine the next appropriate provision. 

Is this for you?

If you are looking for a supported internship with a local employer and need a bit more time in a more supportive environment, Future Choices is ideal for you. 

The benefits of Future Choices are that the programme:  

  • Supports you to develop the skills needed to achieve your personal goals  
  • Helps you increase your independence as much as you are able  
  • Offers flexibility to make progress at your own pace  
  • Gives you more time to make decisions about what comes next  
  • Provides you with pathways to volunteering in the community or work that is right for you 

Who can apply to Future Choices? 

The programme is open to any young person with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, if you have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or if you have been diagnosed with a disability.  

If you do not have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or no formal diagnosis, get in touch with us to see what programmes we may have to suit you. 

Testimonials

Chloe

Through Future Choices, Chloe secured a role at Just 4 Kids, a charity shop for children in Camberley.    

Chloe has impressed the manager so much that she is now working on the till, taking purchases and helping the customers more.  

During half term Chloe was heavily involved in making up the packed lunches for children who qualified for the free school meals. In total she helped make up over 500 lunch bags for those children in need! 

Chloe has a very good eye for detail and is now creating displays using the toys that are donated.  

Chloe has gained so much during her time at Just 4 Kids. She has grown in confidence and learned so many valuable new skills since volunteering there. 

Future Choices has supported Chloe to realise that she is able to work in a responsible position, where people value her and appreciate her skills and her time. Chloe has become more independent as she is walking by herself to and from Camberley to go to work and socialise with her friends.

Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD)

Young people participated in an outdoor experience to help build friendships, increase confidence and teamwork skill at Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD). 

As you can see from the video below, the group took part in many different challenges that all required teamwork. They ended the day by taking part in an Archery competition. 

Liam, one of Future Choices’ pre-interns said “We have been doing two different activities which have been based on teamwork. One was where we had to move a tennis ball from gutter to gutter without it touching the floor before it reached the bin. The second was an Archery competition.” 

Days out like this are a terrific way for the people we support to make friends, be challenged by activities and overcome obstacles they have not encountered before. 

Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD) is a structured outdoor experience that allows groups to maximise their learning opportunities. This group attended the Henley Fort site on the Hogs Back. 

SOLD

For more information about our services call 01483 806806