Outside the Box

Outside the Box was contacted by some women who were mums of young disabled people. They wanted more information about what would be available for their young people after they left school. They were especially interested in having more choices around organist community activities. They also wanted to share their experiences - for the families who were a few years further on to tell other families what they had learned.

From this, we developed a resource pack for families when a young person is moving on from school to adult life.

We published the resource pack so many people could get access to the ideas and practical suggestions. We also published a companion guide for staff, as a learning resource for them.

The families who started the project and many other families are using the resource packs to help them think about the options and choices, and then to explain to social workers and people who provide services what sorts of support they think will work best for this young person.

Staff have also used the books to explain to some families that there is now a wider range of options available, and show how services can support a young person when they are becoming part of their community.

Staff are also using it as the basis for training within their teams and to help them get stronger links with a wider range of other organisations.