An internship programme preparing young people with disabilities to become entrepreneurs
- Solution
- Supported Self-Employment Internship Programme
- Organization
- SAMEE
- Country of Implementation
- United Kingdom
- Region
- Europe
- Subregion
- Western Europe
- Start Year
- 2022
- First published
- 03.12.2024

Solution details
“I can’t thank SAMEE enough for all they’ve done. My son is now developing skills to take with him into the future.” A mother of an intern
SAMEE, a Bournemouth-based NGO, runs a Supported Self-Employment Internship for disabled young people with an Education, Health, and Care plan, a legal document describing needs and expected outcomes. This 50-week program is designed for those eager to learn self-employment skills and explore the potential of their talents in business. The program includes vocational profiling, skill-based training units, and three tailored work placements. In 2023, 12 participants completed the program, with nine starting their own businesses and three securing part-time jobs.
Problems Targeted
There is a lack of supported internships for people with disabilities, especially for young people who aspire to become self-employed.
Solution, Innovation and Impact
SAMEE, an NGO in Bournemouth, supports people with disabilities, especially those with learning difficulties or autism, in pursuing self-employment through guidance and mentoring. Its Supported Self-Employment Internship Programme targets young disabled individuals aged 18 to 25 with skills or talents suited to self-employment. Participants follow an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, which includes vocational profiling, training, and internships. The 50-week programme offers three tailored work rotations focused on building management, math, and ICT skills, with a second year of support if needed. Each participant is supported by a work coach, a learning support assistant, and a self-employment mentor, alongside peer-to-peer mentoring. SAMEE collaborates with its local business network, providing internship opportunities across diverse industries, including retail, hospitality, and creative fields. Participants explore varied self-employment paths, from gardening and crafts to photography and social media. Dog walking and grooming are particularly popular. Launched as a pilot in 2022 with funding from the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, the programme officially started in 2023 with 12 participants, resulting in nine becoming self-employed and three finding part-time jobs. By mid-2024, 16 participants had joined.
Funding, Outlook and Transferability
The Supported Self-Employment Internship Programme is primarily funded through the local authority's Education, Health and Care plan for each participant. Additional funding comes from grants to support individuals who wish to explore self-employment but do not have an EHC plan. In 2024 plans were underway to expand to Essex, Worcester, and Yorkshire. (Zero Project Awardee 2025)
Media
Pictures
Related information
- Connections
- 2
-
Organization
- People