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Home / Our research / Solutions focused research / Social Inclusion / Supporting friendships during the transition from school

Supporting friendships during the transition from school

Supporting friendships during the transition from school for young people with learning disabilities


Background
The transition from secondary school can be challenging for many young people with learning disabilities. Previous research findings indicate that friendships can be difficult to maintain during this phase of transition, with some young people reporting feeling increasingly socially isolated. Transition to adult life is a critical stage of development for young people with learning disabilities and requires appropriate targeted support to address the ongoing challenges with friendships and loneliness in adulthood.

What we will do
 
In the first phase of this study, we will work in collaboration with people with learning disabilities, family carers and teachers to co-design an intervention to support the friendships of young people with learning disabilities across school transition. Through a series of co-production workshops we will seek to understand what helps people to sustain friendships during transition, what are the challenges, and what other support is needed. We will work in direct collaboration with people with learning disabilities, family carers and teachers to map out the content and structure of this intervention.

In the second phase of this study, we will pilot the intervention with a group of young people with learning disabilities to evaluate the feasibility of delivering this intervention and acceptability for the young people with learning disabilities. At the end of the intervention, we will interview the young people who participated and those delivering the intervention about their experiences of taking part.

Researchers from the University of Glasgow, University of Warwick and Manchester Metropolitan University are working in collaboration with ARC Scotland in the delivery of this project, which is funded by the Baily Thomas Charitable Fund. 

For more information about this work, please contact Dr. Amanda Gillooly via sldo-info@glasgow.ac.uk 

 

Page last updated: 22nd May 2024

View other information

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