Publish date: 7 March 2024
West London NHS Trust is proud to share that one of its interns, Lydia Thervarasa, recently attended the House of Commons calling for more support for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Lydia, who has learning disabilities, started working at the Trust through NHS England's (NHSE) Choices College.
Choices College is a programme to support employment opportunities for interns with learning disabilities/disabilities and/or autism through a supported internship course.
Lydia and the group attended the House of Commons representing a manifesto for specialist further education for SEND young people.
Lydia works on the bank team as a staff engagement and training compliance administrator under the guidance of Sirina Kathiara.
Anette Lafitte area manager of NHS England - West London, said: "Lydia has been a role model to SEND interns, demonstrating that employment is achievable even with SEND requirements and was able to achieve this from the support of the supported internship programme delivered at West London NHS Trust by NHSE Choices College."
Ali Webster, Deputy Director of Organisational Development at West London NHS Trust, said: "Lydia has been a real credit to the internship programme and has grown her skills while working with us.
"She is a clear demonstration that people with learning disabilities, if given a chance, and believed in, can progress and achieve great things. We are extremely proud of her."