At ToolShed we support young people aged 16-24 in their self-development, training, education and employment so that they are able to become positive role models in the community and inspire other young people to take charge of their lives.

Over the last two years 60 young people have graduated from the ToolShed programme and achieved valuable qualifications.  Approximately 80% have progressed into work and/or further training (including apprenticeships). 

The majority of these graduates had a mix of emotional health challenges and/or learning difficulties (eg: dyslexia, dyspraxia, poor memory, ADHD).  Our analysis of each graduate has determined that at least a third (20) could have achieved a higher level qualification (eg: a Level 2 vs 1 or a diploma vs a certificate) if we had been able to afford to provide them with teaching assistance.  Furthermore, of the 20% (12) who we are still working with and helping progress into work or further training a key challenge is their learning difficulty – they simply need more support to learn how to overcome the difficulty itself.