Students from Bridgwater College, part of UCS College Group, are making a real impact at Bridgwater Community Hospital and Casa de Lusso nursing home through a Supported Internship programme designed for young people, those with a learning disability, or students who identify as neurodiverse.
The programme is delivered and run in partnership with Bridgwater Community Hospital (Somerset NHS Foundation Trust), Casa de Lusso and social enterprise Discovery, which provides specialist job coaching and mentoring.
The first cohort began in September 2025, with eight interns placed across the hospital and nursing home. Over the academic year, each intern completes three placements, building confidence, independence and employability skills within real health and social care settings.
Each intern is supported by a dedicated job coach from Discovery, who works closely with college staff and employers to match placements to students’ strengths and interests.
The year-long programme is about building employability skills, discovering strengths and helping young people find the right career path.
Mitchell Chase
Discovery, Supported Internship Trainer and Job Coach
Intern, Matthew Lloyd is currently on his second placement, having worked in both administration and ward-based roles, he said, “My first placement was at the nursing home doing administration and receptionist work. Now I’m on Waverley Ward at the hospital, preparing admission packs for patients. I couldn’t answer the phone before, but now I can. I’d like to work in administration in the future.”
Harrison Small is completing his second placement in the hospital’s facilities and portering department, after working with the maintenance team at Casa de Lusso. He supports teams by delivering clean scrubs and linen across the hospital. Harrison said, “I like helping with all the different jobs and working with my colleagues. My family are happy too.”
Matthew initially thought catering would be his future, but after trying it, he realised it wasn’t right for him. We encouraged him to try administration instead – and now he loves it. I have also seen Harrison grow hugely in confidence. The hospital team has been incredibly supportive, and his family have noticed the difference too.
Mitchell Chase
Discovery, Supported Internship Trainer and Job Coach
We’ve already had great feedback from both the interns themselves, and our colleagues supporting them, which is great to hear.
Peter Harvey
Matron at Bridgwater Community Hospital
Preparation for employment begins before placements start, including travel training to help interns travel independently. Alongside their work placements, students attend structured taught sessions delivered by University Centre Somerset.
This programme is structured to provide flexible, personalised support so every learner can succeed. Students are developing confidence, improving workplace skills and gaining a strong understanding of professional expectations within health and social care settings. Overall, they are making steady progress towards employment and greater independence.
Alison Ward
Course Leader, Bridgwater College
Through strong local partnerships, Bridgwater College and its partner colleges of UCS College Group, continue to create inclusive routes into employment, ensuring every learner has the opportunity to develop skills, confidence and a clear pathway into the world of work.
If you would like to know more about any of our Supported Internship programmes please visit www.ucscollegegroup.ac.uk or call our Information and Advice team on 01278 441234.