Moving Forward+ with CashBack
“Moving Forward+ helped me in finding a job during a global pandemic. There were a lot of obstacles against me and I'm glad they had my back.”
What is Moving Forward+ ?
Moving Forward+ supports autistic 10–25-year-olds from deprived areas of West Central Scotland. We help participants to develop confidence and resilience and assist them to achieve their goals, which may include re-engaging with education, moving into employment, training or voluntary work.
Support to young autistic people aged 10-15 and not engaging in education
For young autistic people aged 10-15, we offer a very relaxed and person-centred approach to discuss social communication and common challenges, as well as understanding autism, managing emotions and much more. Through fun activities, participants acquire new skills and grow their confidence and independence.
Support to young autistic people aged 16-25 who are not in education, employment or training
For young autistic people aged 16-25, we offer a very flexible and person-centred pathway, which can include 1-1 coaching, groupwork and work placements as well as support to identify and apply for paid employment, college courses, further training and voluntary work.
To find out if you’re eligible, or if you’re an employer who needs advice on supporting an autistic member of staff, please email moving.forward@nas.org.uk.
Lucy’s Story
Lucy was diagnosed with autism at around 15 years old. In addition to being autistic, Lucy also struggles with OCD, depression and anxiety. Lucy has issues with her confidence - this means that she finds it very difficult to pursue things she would like to do. During secondary school, Lucy had a particularly difficult time and stopped attending. Lucy found it hard to get the right support, but after engaging with Social Work, she was referred to Moving Forward+ and attended her first meeting in June.
Lucy is currently being supported via 1-1 online sessions, to further understand her experiences of autism and anxiety. Over time, Lucy hopes to build confidence and become more independent, so that she can fulfil her goals. Lucy is a very talented artist, and her main goal is to one day have her own business. She is keen to build an online presence to share and sell her artwork, with the goal of eventually being able to work on a commission basis.
Lucy was excited to hear of other Moving Forward+ participants who have gone on to fulfil their ambitions, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to help Lucy work towards achieving her own goals.
Employer’s Perspective: DXC Technology
DXC Technology is an IT company that helps organisations to run their business-critical systems and operations. It runs an award-winning Dandelion Programme in the UK, connecting autistic and neurodivergent people with meaningful employment and helping to fill IT skills gaps.
The DXC Dandelion Programme is an important part of its Diversity and Inclusion Strategy in the UK. The programme provides an environment that supports and celebrates the talents and skills of autistic people, helping individuals build valuable skills to pursue a successful career in information technology whilst integrating them within the teams at DXC.
"Including neurodiverse individuals into the workforce brings a new way of creative thinking and a different perspective to the organisation and I have seen how much potential and value our neurodiverse trainees bring."
Participants in Moving Forward+ have benefitted from DXC’s Dandelion Programme, gaining work experience, work placements and employment with DXC.
"My son’s autism means he has always struggled with communication skills and would have been unlikely to be able to attend a regular interview process without the skills and confidence gained through the Moving Forward+ programme"
Cashback: Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA)
