Use: Immediate
Issue Date: Friday 18 March 2005

Councillor Margaret Davidson, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Housing and Social Work Committee joined a group of young people to launch a new booklet aimed at making the transition from secondary school easier for young people with learning disabilities.

The new booklet, entitled "It’s My Choice", will also be an important resource across the Highlands for carers, teachers and professionals involved in providing support during what many young people find to be an uncertain and challenging period in their lives.

In the booklet various issues in relation to transition have been broken down into five sections: Education and Jobs; Friends and Feelings; Getting a Life; My Rights; A Home Of My Own.

At the launch Councillor Margaret Davidson said: "The information in this booklet is presented very well and pictures have been used to illustrate points. The need for more advice about transition came from a variety of people working with young people including carers, teachers and the young people themselves. I am delighted to launch "It’s My Choice" as I am sure it which will act as a very good starting point for young people and their carers and teachers to talk about all the issues involved in leaving school and many other issues that may come to light."

The Highland Council’s Housing and Social Work Services and CHIP+ (Children in the Highlands Information Point+) have worked closely over this project with a number of agencies including Careers Scotland, The Highland Learning Disabilities and Relationships Group, the teachers and pupils of Drummond School in Inverness, the Highland Advice and Information Network and NHS Highland

The booklet has been produced and distributed by the young people of Nansen Highland which is a `training for work’ organisation for people with learning disabilities. An electronic copy can also be found on The Highland Council, NHS and CHIP+ websites.

Date Last updated : 22/03/05