“I can show the world I can do this, despite the barriers I’ve faced in life,” said Harvey Duncan, an Ealing Council employee and a young person with additional needs.

Harvey currently works for the council’s family information service as a peer advocacy and web communications officer. He supports other young people who have special educational needs and disability (SEND), and his role involves attending events where he speaks publicly. He has set up a youth forum so that every young person can have their voices heard and be a part of the community.

To mark this year’s Disability History Month, Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, the council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes, caught up with Harvey to find out about his journey from education into the world of work. This is the first in a series of interviews where a spotlight will be shone on the employment experiences and successes of local young people with SEND.

Where Harvey’s journey started

Harvey started thinking about employment back in 2019, when he was 22 years old. He was about to finish his further education at a college in Coventry and was trying to figure out what his next step in life would be, when his mum introduced him to the idea of supported internships and apprenticeships.

Harvey said: “The supported internship changed my life and gave me independence. I feel included in society and taking this pathway has helped me gain skills with people, IT, and team building.”

After his internship concluded the following year, Harvey joined the council’s Kickstart scheme up until the end of 2021. He then went on to complete an apprenticeship with the council, and in May 2023 he became a permanent employee.

‘Show you can do things in life’

Harvey went on to share his thoughts about the importance of these employment pathways – for him as an individual, for other young people with SEND, and for employers.

He added: “These opportunities have been important to me because I can get out of the house, be a part of the world, and not be stuck at home receiving disability benefits. I encourage young people with SEND to have a can-do attitude. Despite whatever barriers you face, always show that you can do things in life.

“My one piece of advice for employers is to be open-minded. Young people with SEND will never let you down, despite the difficulties that they face in life.”

A message to hiring managers

Harvey’s manager, Charlene Townsend, told us about her experience hiring young people with SEND.

“Employing young people with SEND has enriched our team and the council as a whole, by opening up new ways of thinking about how we live, work, and interact,” she said.

“Young people with SEND bring unique perspectives and insights through their lived experiences, which often leads to novel and innovative ideas.

“These opportunities are important because representation matters and gives access to a wider talent pool which drives creativity, engagement, and long-term commitment. With plenty of support available, employers can benefit from fresh perspectives, increased engagement and retention, workforce development, and the chance to showcase their social responsibility.”

‘Give everyone an equal chance’

Ealing Council leader, Peter Mason said: “Creating these chances for young people is helping us reach our ambition to ensure everyone has access to a job that’s right for them. If you are an employer and you could benefit from offering a role to someone with SEND, contact us today to take advantage of the council support available.”

Councillor Nagpal was inspired to hear about Harvey’s journey and how taking the opportunities has changed his life.

She said: “We want to create good jobs for our residents, and a big part of this is ensuring everyone has an equal chance to find the right career for them. Harvey is a wonderful example of how young people, no matter their background or hardships, can offer so much and make a real impact in the workplace.”

Over the next few months, look out for more stories of other young people with SEND and their journeys through education and employment.

How to get involved

Are you an employer who can offer a role to someone like Harvey?

If you have been inspired by his story, we can help you recruit through an internship or apprenticeship pathway. Our process makes it as straightforward as possible to get your journey started, and support will be provided to you and your new recruits throughout.

Contact us today by emailing buzuleacc@ealing.gov.uk or access information and guidance for young people.