Aspire SEND CIC — Post-16 Transition Support for SEND Young People

Aspire SEND CIC provides specialist post-16 transition and independence support for autistic and neurodivergent young people aged 16 to 25 across London, working alongside their families, schools and local services. A community interest company, it delivers person-centred support built around each young person’s own goals and strengths, combining one-to-one work, small-group workshops and practical community-based activities rather than a fixed curriculum — every programme looks different because every young person is different, and sessions run in person or online.

The approach runs across four stages: Aspire, which begins by listening and understanding the young person’s needs and goals before anything else; Develop, building confidence, independence and everyday life skills through consistent one-to-one support; Thrive, supporting the move into adulthood, education or employment; and Sustain, staying alongside them to maintain progress over the long term rather than only at the point of transition. Support spans confidence and personal development, independence and life skills, preparing for adulthood, and employment support including career planning, CV applications, interview preparation and workplace readiness.

Alongside its direct work with young people, Aspire SEND offers guidance and consultations for parents and carers, and clear referral pathways for schools, colleges, Family Hubs and local authority teams. The organisation partners with community organisations and funders to grow trusted one-to-one transition support across London, keeping the young person’s own confidence, independence and self-determined next step at the centre of everything it does.