A pioneering provision for young adults with disabilities has a new city centre home. Derby City Council's Transition2 provides bespoke transition programmes that allow young people aged 18-25 years with learning difficulties, learning disabilities, and/or autism become active, engaged members of their communities.

Transition2 has moved to Friar Gate Studios, at the heart of Derby’s Student Quarter, leaving its previous location of 14 years in Whitaker Road, Littleover. The move will allow the college to expand its services, including the creation of a new post-16 SEND hub.

Following the move, Transition2’s existing learning programmes will continue for the rest of the academic year. From September, it will offer an exciting new range of learning programmes and services.

These will include:

  • The World of Work programme – a preparation for employment course to develop transferrable job-related skills. Featuring catering training in the onsite training café, and enterprise opportunities within horticulture, joinery and retail along with multi-sector work tasters
  • Supported Internships – focusing on securing paid employment. Featuring work placements, job coaching and mentoring and independent travel training
  • Sustainable Outcomes Service – a follow-on employment support and guidance programme, with wrap-around pastoral support
  • A new Preparation for Adulthood SEND Hub to support young people as they transition into adulthood, helping them with careers, further education, and developing the skills they need to live independently.

The Post-16 SEND hub will include an Active Leisure Membership Service, providing activities and events to encourage healthy lifestyles, well-being and social confidence.

Meanwhile, an Information, Advice and Guidance Hub will be a ‘one stop shop’ for signposting, sharing knowledge, experiences and services for those young people and families.

Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Young People and Skills, said:

Transition2’s long history of excellent work has taken an exciting new step with its move to Friar Gate Studios. The move will enable the facility to offer even more to our young people with SEND.

We’re passionate about helping young people with SEND fulfil their potential. Being able to continue their education in Derby allows these young people to remain connected to their community as they transition into adulthood; building independent and fulfilling lives as active community members.

Simon Hancox, Head of Service at Transition2, added:

Our move to a building in the heart of Derby’s Student Quarter offers an excellent opportunity for our learners to navigate the city alongside their peers as they head to their education and workplace destinations.

Additionally, our central location opens up more opportunities for travel training and fostering valuable connections with families, local employers, adult social care, and health services.

You can find more information about Transition2 Opens in new tab and the Preparation for Adulthood (PFA) SEND Hub on the Transition2 website.