Grace, Engagement and Outreach Lead at bemix, has been travelling across Kent visiting schools and colleges, spreading the word about bemix's Supported Employment Programmes. Alongside Grace, former bemix intern, Oscar, has been sharing the story of his journey with bemix - from Supported Internship to paid employment! (Read ‘Being Seen Brewing Up A Storm’ to learn about Oscar’s )

Most recently, Grace and Oscar have been to visit St. Nicholas School in Canterbury. During visits like this, we talk with students and teachers about how Supported Employment helps young people get into work through building up their confidence, working life skills and independence. 

One of the young people from St. Nicholas School said, “Thank you Oscar for coming and telling us about your job. It was so interesting to hear.”

The pandemic has prevented bemix from fully connecting with other providers as we have not been able to take part in visits like we used to. Now, we can finally go out to places and connect with people in person, rather than from behind a screen. This has been so important in reaching more young people - letting them know what opportunities are available, and possible, on their journey to employment.

Grace and Oscar, talk to students at St. Nicholas School in Canterbury

At bemix, one of our Wider Values is ‘Progression’ - it means that we support people to work towards and achieve their goals and develop their skills and interests - this is key to our Supported Employment programmes.  Our team is knowledgeable and skilled in carefully job matching interns with placements that meet their aspirations, passions and skills. As well as providing information to young people during our talks, Oscar’s story is a valuable insight into how the programme works from an intern’s perspective.

Simon Bounds, teacher at St. Nicholas School, said, "It was so inspiring to have Oscar and Grace from bemix come and tell us about their work together. The pupils could really see that getting a job in the future is not an impossible dream! I was so impressed by how many young people with EHCP bemix now support into employment.”

If you would like our team to visit and talk with students or parents at your school or college, or would like to find out more about Supported Employment, get in touch by email [email protected] or by phone 01227 374285.