Two interns from a project in Burnley which provides support for people with learning difficulties have been invited to the Houses of Parliament.

Tom Robinson and Kaitlin Knight, who are members of DFN Project SEARCH’s Youth Advisory Group, have been invited to the Houses of Parliament to celebrate National Supported Internship Day.

Ahead of their trip to London, Conservative MP for Burnley, Antony Higginbotham, will be visiting The Calico Group, where both Tom and Kaitlin work, to speak about the role of an MP, and to help prepare them for the Houses of Parliament trip.

Mr Higginbotham has also offered to meet them both in London to give them a private tour. 

DFN Project SEARCH provides supported internships for people with learning difficulties and autism spectrum conditions, making a positive difference to the lives of young people looking to build their work experience while studying at college.

In Burnley, the programme supports people with work placements within The Calico Group and local businesses, with The Calico Group being the host employer working in partnership with Burnley College and Lancashire County Council.

Maria Bolton, Project SEARCH employment coach, said: “Supported internships, such as DFN Project SEARCH, are lifechanging for young adults with autism and/or learning disabilities as it empowers them to overcome barriers to employment.

“Being in work can change everything about someone’s life. They become more socially involved, independent and earning their own income means they have choice.” 

Sarah Moorhouse, Project SEARCH tutor, said: “They are both really excited to attend, Kaitlin has never been to London before, so it is a big experience for her.”