Project Search changed my life, says graduate
The job market is a daunting prospect for graduates but for people with learning disabilities it is especially tough often facing discrimination and prejudice.
Project Search has helped more than 2,500 young people get a foot on the job ladder through internships that often lead to employment.
“I wouldn’t be here without Project Search,” says 23-year-old porter Thanu Theivanthiran.
Thanu wasn’t diagnosed with dyslexia until he was a teenager but got the qualifications needed to go to building college. It proved to be a unhappy experience where he was picked on and and grew tired of explaining his condition.
“I heard about Project Search and went along to an opening evening. It was the best decision I ever made.”
The charity helps students with learning disabilities and autism gain practical workplace experience in the NHS.
The graduates work in areas including outpatients, pharmacy, the medical equipment library, multi professional clinical education, patient dining, portering, the post room and domestic stores.
LNWH welcomed its first set of interns in 2017 and takes up to 12 new students every September for a period of nine months.
Thanu joined the intern programme with contractor Medirest working in various areas including central and domestic stores and portering.
The internship was suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic but he volunteered to come and do temperature checks on people entering the hospital.
His enthusiasm paid off when he was asked to shadow a Project Scope colleague going for a job interview at Ealing Hospital and was offered a portering job himself.
“I rang everyone on my phone. I don’t know who was more excited, my mum or me. “It did wonders for my confidence but I’ve made a point of being as helpful as I can both in and outside my role.”
Thanu currently works as a radiology porter at Central Middlesex Hospital and says his own experience of hospital helps him empathise with people.
“I spent nearly a year in Great Ormond Street Hospital when I was younger and know what it feels like being a patient. I enjoy chatting with people and reassuring them if they look nervous.”
Thanu looks after up to 35 patients on a busy day and covers up to five miles on foot.
The keep-fit enthusiast, who is a regular gym user and enjoys indoor climbing, also picks up some valuable tips from patients about looking after himself.
“I had a skydiver who told me landing on your knees wasn’t a good idea and a football league coach in for a hip replacement who recommended exercise in moderation.
“I really enjoy my work and chatting with patients. I do feel like part of a team here but my real love is cars. I would like to be in car sales further down the road.”