Friday 27 March marked National Supported Internship Day. Corrina Bowers, Learning & Organisational Development Facilitator, reflects on this important day.

“This was a special opportunity to celebrate the life changing impact that supported internships have on young people with learning disabilities or an autism spectrum condition, and to recognise the incredible work delivered by the Project SEARCH team here at UHP.

“To show appreciation for their hosts, our interns personally created and delivered hampers generously provided by City College Plymouth. Filled with thoughtful treats and gifts, the hampers were a heartfelt gesture of thanks for the support, guidance, and encouragement the hosts provide each day.

“The celebrations continued with a delicious pizza lunch kindly provided by our partners at PLUSS, giving the interns a chance to come together, relax, and share their stories of learning and growth during their placements. The atmosphere was warm, supportive, and full of pride for how far they’ve come.

“We would also like to extend a huge thank you to our Estates staff, who lit up the hospital in orange throughout the weekend to shine a spotlight on this important national event. The orange glow served as a powerful visual reminder of our commitment to inclusion and the value we place on creating opportunities for every young person to thrive. Your support helped raise awareness across the organisation and truly made the occasion feel special.

“National Supported Internship Day was not only a moment to celebrate the achievements of our interns but also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of providing meaningful workplace experiences to young people preparing for their future careers. It was a day full of gratitude, celebration, and commitment to supporting the next generation of talent.”

If you’d like to learn more about supporting an intern and how you can help create a more diverse and inclusive workplace, please visit our StaffHub page or get in touch with the Project SEARCH team using the details below:

Project SEARCH Office: 01752 (4) 39008
Stevie Harris (Employment Advisor): stevie.harris@pluss.org.uk
Daniel Payne (Tutor): dpayne@cityplym.ac.uk

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