Thomas feels in control of his future after tailored SEND support

When Thomas was young, he was diagnosed with autism and dyspraxia – something that he now says was one of the best things to ever happen to him.

Throughout his time at primary and secondary school, he discovered several passions, including buses, wrestling, football, and being in the media. It was his love for the media that led him to joining Confetti College to study Film and TV, but after struggling to make the transition to a Level 3 qualification, Thomas came to Futures. 

He felt as though he didn’t know where he was going next, and needed some support to figure out what direction to go in.  

“Before working with Futures, I was uncomfortable about meeting new people. I was nervous about starting new things and going to new places. I would rarely go out. I wasn’t in any education or doing anything.”  

Throughout his time with Futures, Thomas was able to experience several opportunities to grow his confidence and his skills. He was supported to begin working as a volunteer tour guide at Green’s Windmill, helping him to feel more comfortable with leaving the house. He then began working with Sally, an employability coach, who introduced him to The Princes Trust and encouraged him to complete online courses to gain more skills in an environment that he felt confident in. He also began attending Employability group sessions at Futures. 

“I learnt about how employers work, how to job search, applications, wage structures, and how to become more confident in interviews. I met new people, learned new skills, and gained a lot of self-awareness. I felt confident that I wouldn’t be put on the spot and asked to do anything that I wasn’t prepared for, like I had experienced in school.” 

With The Princes Trust, Thomas was able to be involved in projects that matched up to his passions, including filmmaking and hosting a premier event. Even when COVID-19 lockdowns put the programme on pause, Sally kept in touch over the phone to arrange mock interviews and keep Thomas’ confidence up.  

With the support of Futures, Thomas was able to fulfil one of his lifelong dreams, and gain work experience at CT4N – a charity based bus service in Nottingham – where he worked in the office and went on the buses, helping the drivers and the customers.  

“I’ve always had an unconditional love toward buses. This was one of the highlights of my life.”  

Now, Thomas is involved even further with Futures, working with them as a Young Person’s Ambassador. He’s also been able to secure a work placement at Broadway Cinema, where he can continue to develop his love of film and media, and is applying for traineeship opportunities. 

“It has been a journey. I started at a point where I was on an empty road. There have been a few bumps but I realised that I’ve coped well with them and become more resilient. Sally has encouraged me to change gear and divert onto a more positive road. I am now reaching the point where I can take control of the wheel and achieve whatever I want to. My journey continues.”