NHS Lanarkshire staff are being invited to discover how their departments could help young people with learning disabilities and autism take their next steps towards employment.
Celebrating its 16th year at University Hospital Wishaw and 14th year at Monklands and Hairmyres, DFN Project SEARCH is holding awareness events across our three acute hospitals, giving colleagues the chance to hear directly from interns and current mentors about their experiences.
The programme runs during term time, from August to June, and is based in NHS Lanarkshire hospitals. It combines workplace experience with training in employability skills, helping interns develop their confidence and prepare for the world of work.
More departments are being encouraged to offer placement opportunities, and the awareness sessions will help teams explore what supporting an intern could involve.
Samina Saine, Employability Officer and Job Coach, said: “A placement can make a real difference to a young person, giving them the opportunity to develop skills, build confidence and discover what they can achieve in the workplace.
“Our interns bring enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, while the support of colleagues and mentors helps them put their skills into practice.
“As we celebrate 15 years of Project SEARCH, we would love more departments to become part of the story. Please come along, hear from our interns and mentors, and find out how your team could get involved.”
The awareness events will take place in the lecture theatre at each hospital:
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University Hospital Hairmyres: Monday 30 November 2026, 11.30am–12.30pm.
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University Hospital Monklands: Monday 30 November 2026, 1.30pm–2.30pm.
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University Hospital Wishaw: Thursday 3 December 2026, 2pm–3pm.
The programme brings together NHS Lanarkshire, New College Lanarkshire, DFN Project SEARCH, North Lanarkshire Council, South Lanarkshire Council and ISS.
Whether your team is considering offering a placement or would simply like to learn more, come along to hear what being involved is really like.
