DAISY CHAIN LAUNCHES BOLD NEW AUTISM EMPLOYABILITY PROGRAMME

Local charity Daisy Chain has launched a bold new employability programme to address one of the UK’s most urgent social challenges, the autism employment gap. Funded by the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, and backed by long-term partners Tulloch Wealth Management, Assembling Futures is a three-year initiative designed to support young adults into meaningful, sustained employment across Tees Valley and Gateshead.

With the majority of autistic adults out of work, and many facing social and economic disadvantage, the programme will create tailored pathways into retail, warehousing and production line roles – industries which harness core skills held by autistic people, such as attention to detail, problem solving and creativity.

This new programme is grounded in evidence, including the 2024 Buckland Review of Autism Employment, which called for urgent reform in how autistic people are recruited, supported, and progressed in the workplace. With only 3 in 10 autistic adults currently in employment, Assembling Futures has therefore been built around practical placements, job coaching, and employer training, ensuring young people aged between 18–25 receive the tools, experience, and confidence they need to succeed in the workplace. It offers a bold and timely response replacing generic employability models with tailored, autism-informed support that meets individuals and employer needs.

In addition, it will also provide tailored support to businesses, helping them make reasonable adjustments and build inclusive recruitment and retention practices.

Johnathon Pickard, director of business development at Daisy Chain, said: “We are incredibly proud to be launching Assembling Futures and deeply grateful to both the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation and Tulloch Wealth Management for making this possible. Tulloch Wealth Management have been brilliant champions of Daisy Chain over the years, and their referral to the Foundation has helped us secure vital funding to respond to a national crisis in autism employment. This programme is about practical impact – building confidence, creating opportunity, and changing perceptions of what autistic talent can achieve in the workplace.”

Commenting on the new initiative, Lisa Cousins, head of St. James’s Place charitable foundation said: “we are proud to have supported Daisy Chain and this wonderful initiative to support autistic people into meaningful employment. This grant has been made possible thanks to our colleagues across the St James’s Place business, who fundraise tirelessly so that we can support life changing charities like Daisy Chain”. Senior Partner & Director Samantha Tulloch added: “We have seen first-hand the incredible difference the charity Daisy Chain makes to families across the North East. Introducing them to the Foundation was a natural extension of our partnership, and we’re thrilled to see that connection led to such an important, forward-thinking programme. Assembling Futures will open new doors for young autistic adults, and we’re honoured to be part of that journey.”

For more information about Daisy Chain or how to get involved in the Assembling Futures programme (as a participant or employer), please visit click here or email [email protected]