Sadly, we have taken the very difficult decision to withdraw the Empower-Me programme with immediate effect.  There has been a tremendous amount of work carried out to bring this to life: training, recruitment and planning over the last 2 years to make our vision for improving independence and life skills in young people with disabilities a reality.

It has been frustrating that, with young people and parents so positive about the programme,  there has been a reluctance within local authorities to agree to fund this provision and support. The delay to the Learning Framework process, which is still ongoing, has meant that we cannot recruit learners for the academic year in September.

Having funded the development over the last 2 years, We Are Beams cannot afford a further year without an income; the Charity has had to preserve our funds and close the programme.

The Manager will be made redundant after 19 years with the Charity, and we are sad that a programme that would change lives will now not be delivered.

We are sorry that it has come to this and understand there will be disappointment and frustration for parents and young people who were looking to start. Be assured this was not a decision taken lightly, but the charity does not have the financial resources to support this with no income.

If you have any further questions, please contact:

Katrina Adams, Chief Executive Officer