A Bournemouth charity that supports people with special educational needs (SEN) is to extend its reach beyond Dorset.

SAMEE (Support and Mentoring Enabling Entrepreneurship) charity is set for a nationwide roll out the UK’s first accredited self-employment support programme.

This new, flexible programme, branded as ‘You’ve Got This!’ supports individuals through the development of skills needed to explore self-employment as a viable career option. It has been built on extensive research and co-creation with people recognised as having SEN, including those with neuro-diverse challenges.

SAMEE chief executive, Samantha Everard, said: “The inclusive SAMEE Steps into Self-Employment programme has been created to cater for the needs of learners with SEN. As there is no maths and English element associated with the qualification, it’s accessible to all.

“This qualification offers a range of support and resources which can be specifically tailored to the individual requirements of each learner, providing solutions which are responsive and in keeping with the already established SAMEE ethos.”

Since 2016, the SAMEE charity has taught self-employment skills to enable disabled adults, particularly those with learning disabilities, to escape poverty and gain independence through successful self-employment start-up.

As Disability Confident Leaders, their unique delivery style is a flexible mix of personalised one-to-one guidance and peer mentoring support.

The SAMEE Steps into Self-Employment has been accredited by the highly respected awarding body NCFE, an educational charity dating back over 160 years.

David Gallagher, chief executive of NCFE, said: “We’re delighted to have the opportunity to help build a qualification with such an important purpose and that has the potential to enable hundreds, if not thousands, of people to start meaningful work.

“Through the tough economic times that we’ve started to experience this year with the cost of living crisis, we expect to see some real challenges in the labour market and, as such, self-employment, enterprise and entrepreneurship have never been more important.

“This important qualification will provide crucial recognition and a sense of achievement and I am looking forward to working with SAMEE to support and enable learners to benefit from this exciting new programme and to begin a new journey.”

Samantha added: “There’s no formal entry requirements for the Steps into Self-Employment programme, the only thing we ask is that learners should possess communication skills sufficient to allow them to address the assessment requirements and be aged 16 or over.

“Assessment will be through the production of portfolio evidence, which is presented in the learner’s own communication style and can include visual, play dough, role play and written work.”

The official launch of the Steps into Self-Employment Level 1 qualification will take place in March with a week long programme of activities with virtual trainers across the UK and local campaigns across Dorset.

For more information contact Samantha Everard on sam@samee.co.uk