In Year 14 Rebecca was referred to the Transitions Service by the school Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). Rebecca has a diagnosis of ASD and suffers from severe anxiety. Transitions Officer, Gemma, supported Rebecca through her final year and helped her to explore her post school options. Rebecca, her family and the careers advisor, engaged with Gemma on a regular basis to create an action plan to help Rebecca to identify her main future career goal. They visit colleges together, attended course information sessions, and Gemma supported Rebecca with application forms. This ensured Rebecca had any reasonable adjustments implemented within college when she began her course. Gemma also accompanied Rebecca on an interview to secure a work placement for her course.

In addition Rebecca enjoyed participating in Transition workshops such as Money Management facilitated by Money Ready and personal development programmes focused on Preparation for College. She regularly attends the social events that are planned by Cedar's Transition team and has made some new friendships during these events.

Rebecca is currently in her first year at Belfast Met and is completing a Level 2 Course in Childcare. As part of her course, she has secured and maintained a work placement in a children's day nursery, which she attends 2 days a week. Due to Rebecca’s ASD and anxiety, she does not always have the confidence to pursue her goals but with Gemma's support Rebecca has discovered her strengths and to identified courses that she would be interested in. Gemma's reassurance and guidance throughout the decision making and application processes ensured Rebecca had all the relevant information required so that Rebecca could make an informed choice about her future. 

Rebecca explained:

 “It's been very helpful having someone to help transition from school and it has improved my confidence.”

Rebecca’s mum Michelle has added:

“I think the service Cedar provides is tremendous for helping the young people transition from school at what can be a very stressful time.”

We would like to wish Rebecca the very best of luck in her course and with her future career.

YouTube Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue8v_igZINo

If you would like to find out more about the Transitions service please visit the dedicated page.