Inspirational young adult with rare genetic variation secures dream job thanks to Seashell

23-year-old Harry is thriving with a fulfilled life and dream job, thanks to Cheshire charity Seashell Trust, which transforms the young lives of those with the most complex disabilities.

Harry is the only known person with his genetic variation, which presents as profound learning disabilities. With no answers about his condition, his family were worried for his future.

Harry attended Seashell’s Royal College Manchester, and after completing a two-year internship on the Employability Pathway he gained paid employment at The Light cinema in Stockport. The College enables 15% of its leavers to go into paid work, which is three times the national average for students with additional needs gaining paid employment.

Although Harry didn’t show any signs of delayed development until the first year of his life, his blood test results revealed an incredibly rare chromosome anomaly. This is the first time his family learned about the hereditary condition, which was passed down through Harry’s father. Harry has limited communication due to his unclear speech and is unable to read or write.

As there was nobody else with the same anomaly, there was no prognosis for the future.

Helen Clayton, Harry’s mum, said:

“We just treated him the same as anyone else. He learned to do everything that somebody without a special need would, just a bit slower.”

But his disability certainly doesn’t hold him back. Harry is passionate about manual work, and Helen was determined to find an internship programme to suit his needs and aspirations. Helen said:

“The course at Seashell is very unique. I just knew it was the right place for Harry.”

Students are accompanied on placements by a support worker, and Harry was able to experience varied work opportunities based on his interests to develop essential skills for the future. Harry’s placement at The Light was so successful he was offered a permanent paid position.

Nicola Brown, Employer Engagement Lead at Seashell, said:

“Student placements empower staff to understand complex disabilities and give them the confidence to work with anyone who may have additional needs. It creates a more inclusive culture within the organisation for everybody to benefit from.”

Nicola Wood, Business Manager at The Light Stockport, said:

“The team and the guests love Harry, and he delivers all the values we want at The Light. He has the biggest smile on his face every shift, and he inspires all of us.”

Harry’s work at The Light has opened doors for another Seashell student, Romany Dunn, to work there and be mentored by Harry as she settles into her new role.

As well as this, Harry also has paid work in the Maintenance team at Seashell, completing essential groundwork such as cleaning minibuses, sweeping and gardening.

Seashell’s bespoke Employability Programme partners with over 40 local businesses to carve meaningful roles, improve workplace accessibility and support long-term success.

Employment for people with learning disabilities leads to financial freedom, higher reporting of self-worth, skill development and social inclusion into society.

Seashell are opening a new £29 million specialist college, The Ged Mason Building, this April. This purpose-built state-of-the-art facility will enable more young people like Harry to achieve life-changing outcomes.