Shaping Futures Self-Referral

Join Our Shaping Futures Programme

Are you aged 16 to 25 and neurodivergent? Our Shaping Futures programme is here to help you reach your goals!

Whether you’re looking for a job, work experience, or volunteering, we run fun and practical sessions to build confidence, prepare for interviews, and handle life changes.

Take the next step in your journey with support from us.

Apply now below and start shaping your future!

Eligibility Criteria

You must be aged 16 to 25 and reside in an ST postcode area.
You identify as neurodivergent, whether diagnosed, self-identified, or undiagnosed.
You can apply for a place yourself or be referred by an educational professional.
Sessions will be tailored to meet your aspirations and goals.

How Do I Apply?

Step 1: Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria.
Step 2: Click the "Apply Now" button below.
Step 3: Fill out the form with your details.
Step 4: Click submit and a member of our Shaping Futures team will contact you soon.

Apply Now

Shaping Futures Self-referral FAQs

The sessions will be employability and life skills. They will be informal and adaptive to suit the individual learner. You will be learning topics such as reasonable adjustments in the workplace, how to read and understand a payslip and types of communication in the workplace.

All sessions and 1-1’s are FREE. There are sessions taking place around Staffordshire in various locations and we also have a weekly online session. They run every 6/8 weeks continually.

The sessions are designed to help you with your next step in life. whether that be at college, an apprenticeship, employment or volunteering. Also, as part of signing up for the course, you receive 1 hour per week of mentoring/support that is bespoke for you. Our feedback from the other sessions have also been about how the sessions have supported people making new relationships and helping with their confidence.

It would be great if you could attend every week, but we understand that you may have other commitments, or are not feeling up to attending on particular days. There is no pressure, but to enable us to get the best results for you, we would love you to attend as many as you can.

Anyone aged 16-25 who identifies as neurodivergent and lives in an ST postcode.

Click the ‘Apply Now’ button, fill out the form, and submit it. Our team will contact you after.

If you need help, you can ask a family member, friend, or email employability@caudwellchildren.com or call our team on 01782 433707.

If you don’t have access to a computer, you can email employability@caudwellchildren.com or call our team on 01782 433707 and we’ll find another way for you to apply.

Yes, the programme is free to join if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Yes, if your friend is also eligible, they can apply, and you can attend together.

Real Stories, Bright Futures

Meet Umar

After finishing school, Uma didn’t have a clear path—he wasn’t in further education, work, or training. That’s when his mum referred him to the Shaping Futures Programme. Uma was extremely excited to learn about employability and life skills training, especially learning about managing money.

“The lessons are great for learning about money, bank accounts, and other everyday tasks,” Uma said.

Since starting Shaping Futures, Uma’s communication and time management skills have drastically improved.

Uma added “I really enjoy coming to Shaping Futures. I get to socialise while learning important skills to help me with my future.”

Now, Uma volunteers at Barnardo’s and has even started college!

Meet Grace

“My name is Grace, I’m autistic, Dyslexic, and have Dyscalculia. Before I joined the Caudwell Children’s Shaping Futures Programme, I felt really stuck about what to do next with work, education, and managing money.

Jeff from DWP referred me to Shaping Futures and even helped me fill out the application because I couldn’t do it on my own.

Since joining, I’ve learned how to budget better and shop more effectively. The programme has also helped me become more independent, boosted my confidence, and opened up new education opportunities for me.

I’d definitely recommend Shaping Futures to other young people like me. It’s great for building confidence and learning skills that can be harder for neurodivergent people to process.”

Need support with your application?

If you need support with your application or have any questions, please contact our Employability Team, call 0345 300 1348 or email employability@caudwellchildren.com Alternatively, please see our FAQs.