Jo's Story

Watching My Daughter Shine

Jo Whittington is a dedicated student and family support worker from Newcastle upon Tyne. She is passionate about making sure young people's voices are heard and that families receive the support they deserve.

Jo first learned about supported internships* through her work at a secondary SEN school. Without any information about supported internships from her daughter, Layla’s, school, Jo sought out information on her own and she was immediately interested. Having learnt about the benefits of the supported internships, she encouraged Layla to give it a try.

Read Layla's story of her supported internship.

Difficult Beginnings

Before the supported internship, Layla’s school days were marked by “anxiety and meltdowns” Jo shares. Mornings would begin with letters from Layla, explaining why she couldn’t face school that day. “She self-harmed, picked at her skin, and would come home burnt out from masking all of the time,” Jo recalls. Layla wouldn’t talk about her day and left her mainstream school with no qualifications and no friends.

Finding Choices College

Everything changed when Layla joined Choices College. “From the very beginning, we felt supported,” Jo shares. Layla started talking about her day, building friendships, and embracing life with a newfound confidence. The self-harm stopped, and her smile returned. “She began living her life at 16 when she found Choices.”

The support from staff members like Lorna and Kelly was transformative. Jo recalls their reassuring words: “We anticipate the bumps and ride them with them.” Which will forever stick in her head and heart. The personalised guidance and open communication through every step made all the difference.

New Chapters

During her internship, Layla thrived. She earned Functional Maths and Literacy qualifications, Food Hygiene, and Moving and Handling certifications. She received glowing feedback from her placements and even presented at an internship event—a remarkable achievement for Layla and Jo, considering Layla once struggled to even speak with her own family.

Layla went on to find a full-time job at Freeman Hospital. “She applied for jobs, went to interviews, and built resilience along the way,” Jo recounts.

Jo recalls a day when she picked up Layla from work and Layla said “Mam I struck gold with this job, at school I was embarrassed about being Autistic and hated myself, now I have a work family and friends.”

"Young people can shine and become anything they want to be." — Layla's mum, Jo, to other parents of young people with additional needs.

Reflections and Advice To Other Parents

Jo reflects on the journey with gratitude “Lorna, Kelly, and the team saved my family and gave me my daughter back. I can never repay that.”

She reassures others that “the right support is out there, and it can make all the difference. Young people can shine and become anything they want to be.”

Jo encourages other families to explore supported internships. “If you want your child to gain work-based experience in a supportive environment, Choices College is the place. Layla has absolutely thrived on her internship, family and friends comment on the change in her and Layla realises it in herself too.”

Start Your Supported Internship Journey

If you’re a parent considering a supported internship for your child, reach out to your local council and college, and explore the possibilities! Like Layla’s, your child’s journey toward confidence and independence could start with a supported internship!

*What Are Supported Internships?

Supported internships are work-based training programmes for young people with additional needs, designed to help them gain skills and confidence for paid jobs. These programmes combine workplace experience with tailored support, such as job coaches.

How to Get Involved

To join a supported internship, contact your school, college, or local authority to explore available options. These programmes are typically for young people aged 16-25 with an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP). Some pilots also accept those without an EHCP. Your education provider or a job coach can guide you to the right programme and support you through the process.