About us
Innovative
Compassionate
Person-Centred
Aspirational
What we do
Lighthouse Futures Trust is a specialist college for young adults, aged 16-25, who experience diverse challenges and barriers. Our purpose is to prepare them to be independent in life and develop skills that enable them to enter the world of work. We do this by offering bespoke pathways that empower them to build confidence, skills and knowledge – and ultimately, to thrive.
Why we do it
Only 15% of autistic adults and 5% of those with Learning Disabilities are in paid employment in the UK. We want to challenge the barriers Neurodivergent and Learning-Disabled people face in accessing paid work by raising the profile of the many benefits that having a neurodivergent workforce can bring to employers, to community and to society. Our pioneering programme includes college and work-based internships delivered in partnership with some incredibly inclusive employer hosts.
How we do it
We provide an innovative programme of activity including 1-1 support, workshops & seminars, external speakers, company visits and work placements. We recruit and train specialist staff who are compassionate about their work and provide a truly person-centred approach to help unlock the hidden talents of each and every student. We are highly aspirational, encouraging our staff, students and employers to aim high so everyone is able to reach their full potential.
We offer two core internship programmes – Pre-Internships & Supported Internships. Both of these help students move into paid employment.
In order for our students to thrive, and achieve their highest potential, we also offer a range of support services & enrichment opportunities aimed at enhancing student experience. These include an on-site counselling service, employment transition support, social clubs and more.
Our Incredible Partners
We are fortunate to be based in Leeds which has a wealth of employers of all shapes and sizes across a range of sectors and a focus on being a “compassionate city with a strong economy”.
Since 2015, we have supported 254 young people to develop employability skills, including creating over 100 supported internship opportunities. Our results over the past two years, despite the impact of the global pandemic, have been remarkable, with success rates of between 80-90% of students moving into paid employment.
The Social Model of Disability
The lens through which we view and understand disability matters. Our work is rooted in the Social Model of Disability, which recognises that it is societal barriers which are disabling to people, not their impairment or difference. This understanding impacts the language we use around disability. Through this lens, people are disabled rather than have a disability. As opposed to placing the responsibility with the disabled person, the Social Model recognises that it is society which needs to adapt in order to create accessibility & inclusivity for all. Learn more about The Social Model of Disability here.
