County charity lands a national award

Bournemouth-based charity

Samee (Support and Mentoring Enabling Entrepreneurship,) which is committed to helping enable people with disabilities and special educational needs into self-employment, has won a prestigious award at this year’s UK Career Development Awards.

Held at a glamorous evening in Derby, the Awards are hosted by the Career Development Institute (CDI), the professional body for UK career development, representing 5,000 members across all areas of the profession.

A key part of the CDI is working collaboratively across

Death Notice

COAD

Joanna Mary

Jo died peacefully after a long battle aged 64 years on 29th July 2023. Devoted wife to Simon.

Loving Mother to Steve, Michael, and Bert. Stepmother to Dan, Sarha and Kirsty. A treasured Grandma.

Jo’s funeral service will be held at 10:30am, Monday 21st August 2023 in the Long Barrow Ceremony Hall, Harbour View, BH16 6AN. Family flowers only but donations if desired to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Princess Hospital and Spires Smiles via www.tapperfuneralservice.co.uk or sent to 32-34, Parkstone Road, Poole, BH15 2PG 01202 673164 career development to create a clear view of its future and its important role in addressing skills gaps, supporting the levelling up agenda and helping individuals achieve their career and life goals.

Samee won the award for Career Programme – Post-16 Education. It was recognised for its success in rolling out the UK’s first accredited Self-Employment Skills Development Programme to help support people with special educational needs, not just in Dorset but nationwide.

‘Steps into Self Employment’ 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 neurodiverse challenges.

Samee CEO Sam Everard, pictured collecting the award, said: “This is more than just an accolade.

“It’s proof that our scheme is an effective pathway that can be explored by career professionals and advisers with great results.” She added: “It’s important that self-employment is recognised as the fifth pathway for anybody, establishing itself alongside the others – education, employment, apprenticeships and internships.”

David Morgan, Chief Executive of the CDI, who are championing career development as a critical link between education, training and employment said: “I would like to congratulate Sam and all the team at Samee on their impressive win and for their continued support for those who can benefit most from highquality careers support.”