Young people with disabilities and additional needs have been developing skills, building confidence and exploring careers in the creative industries through a partnership between Southampton City Council's Employment Support Team (EST) and Mayflower Theatre.
Over June and July, the Assemble programme supported young people aged 18 to 25 who are deaf, disabled, learning disabled or neurodivergent to take their first steps towards a future in the arts and cultural sector.
Provided by Mayflower Theatre in partnership with the EST, Blue Apple Theatre and Minstead Trust, participants were given the opportunity to develop new skills, build confidence, meet industry professionals and gain hands-on experience across a range of theatre departments, including Front of House, Marketing, Technical Theatre and Participation.
The programme forms part of a wider national initiative led by the National Youth Theatre and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, which aims to create lasting change in how the creative sector recruits, supports and retains deaf, disabled and neurodivergent talent.
The EST played a key role in recommending and supporting 14 young people interested in exploring careers in Southampton's thriving arts and cultural sector to take part.
Working closely with Mayflower Theatre and partner organisations throughout the programme, the EST supported participants through recruitment, starting the programme, training and work experience placements. This ongoing support helped participants remain engaged, gain confidence and successfully complete the programme.
As part of the programme, participants took part in creative workshops, visited theatres and arts venues, met professionals working across the sector and completed supported work experience placements within the theatre environment, gaining valuable insight into careers in the creative industries.
The programme also offered opportunities for young adults aged 18 to 30 to train as Creative Support Workers, providing peer support to participants throughout their journey.
Following the successful completion of the programme, participants were recognised for the workplace skills they had developed and presented certificates from Mayflower Theatre at a celebration and marketplace event recognising participants' achievements.
Patrick OβSullivan, Head of Participation at Mayflower Theatre and Mayflower Studios, said:
βWe are delighted to be working with Southampton City Councilβs Employment Support Scheme as we launch our Assemble programme. Inclusivity is at the heart of Mayflowerβs work and Assemble aims to engage over 100 young people who identify as disabled, neurodivergent, and deaf over the next two years as we open up pathways in our industry.β
Councillor Sarah Bogle, Leader of Southampton City Council, said:
"Creating opportunities for everyone to succeed is at the heart of Southampton's Growth and Prosperity Plan. Through innovative partnerships like Assemble, we're helping young people overcome barriers, build confidence and develop the skills they need to progress into meaningful employment. By working with organisations such as Mayflower Theatre, Blue Apple Theatre and Minstead Trust, we're opening up new pathways into careers that may previously have felt out of reach and ensuring more residents can share in the opportunities our city has to offer. I'm incredibly proud of the achievements of everyone who took part and the positive difference this programme is making to young people's futures."
The success of Assemble highlights how partnership working can help remove barriers to employment, create more inclusive opportunities and open new pathways into creative careers for young people across Southampton.
For more information about the Employment Support Team and the support available to local residents, visit Southampton City Council's website.
