Referrals for Stockton on Tees now open!
Due to current capacity, we have temporarily paused new referrals for Gateshead. We expect to reopen referrals soon, please check back for updates.*
The Assembling Futures programme has 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. Find out more about the programme using the drop-downs below.
In addition, it will also provide tailored support to businesses, helping them make reasonable adjustments and build inclusive recruitment and retention practices. Please note: limited spaces are available so a triage system is in place. Referrals are open with different cohorts running throughout the year.
Register your interest in the programme using the referral form below or email employability@daisychainproject.co.uk
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 within the Tees Valley and Gateshead.
The support offered in this service is designed to support those who fit the criteria below:
- 18–25 years old
- Not currently in employment
- Autistic or on the pathway to diagnosis
- Have the ability to work in a busy environment, with the right support
- Are looking for employment but need some hands-on experience first
- Looking to discover what employers are looking for in different roles and build on your skills
- Tees Valley – You do not need to live in Teesside to access this support, but you must be able to reliably travel to Stockton on Tees and external placement location across the Tees Valley.
- Gateshead – You do not need to live in Gateshead to access this support, but you must be able to reliably travel to Team Valley Retail Park and an external placement location in Gateshead/Newcastle
Autism Passport and Work-based Assessment
Each individual will be triaged to establish if this service meets their need. The autism job coach will support them in completing a job-based assessment and developing a personalised autism passport which is used to support the individual.
Internal Placements (12 weeks max) – based at Daisy Chain Superstore, Stockton on Tees
- Participants receive hands-on experience in Daisy Chain’s charity megastore.
- Tailored support by an autism job coach, using the Introduction to Retail Workbook.
- Focus on enhancing job readiness and providing real-world retail, warehousing, and production line experience.
External Warehousing Placements (2-3 months) – based in a location outside of Daisy Chain, within the Tees Valley and Gateshead
- Work with local employers to facilitate structured placements.
- Group interview opportunities for paid employment and supported transition into permanent roles.
Skills Development & Support
- On-the-job mentoring to enhance teamwork, communication, and technical skills.
- Ongoing support for participants and businesses, including autism training and work-based autism passports
Thanks to funding from the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, and the backing of long-term partners Tulloch Wealth Management, this service is free to access.
At our charity megastores in Stockton & Gateshead.