Our Programme
At Better Lives Partnership we present autistic young people and young people with additional barriers with a structured program of accredited training in their area of interest, expertise, and work-related skills to prepare them for the next step towards employment, self-employment, education, training, or volunteering.
Our programme use a person-centered approach to develop unique opportunities for each young person that incorporates one or all of the following; employability skills, work experience, and social enterprise.

Through our programme we aim to:
- Develop opportunities so that people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other disabilities in Dumfries and Galloway are able to live as independent and fulfilled lives as possible and remain within their communities.
- Advance public awareness and understanding of autism and other disabilities.
- Develop services and provision for people affected by ASD and other disabilities, their families, parents and carers, and practitioners who support them.
- Promote the awareness and understanding of ASD and how it affects individuals and their families and carers.
- Provide information and advice to people affected by ASD and other disabilities, their parents and carers, and practitioners who support them.
- Deliver aspects of the Dumfries and Galloway Autism Strategy in conjunction or partnership with other organisations, statutory and non-statutory, and individuals or businesses as required.
- Work and liaise with other organisations, statutory and non-statutory to further the purposes of Better Lives Partnership as described above.
Find Out More About Our Programme:
Bridge 2 Employment (B2E)
B2E aims to provide young people with support and training in work skills, support for volunteering, and work placements.

Outreach and Transitions
Better Lives Partnership is delivering an Outreach Programme to Dumfries & Galloway secondary schools designed to support young people 16+ in S4–S6, who are autistic or have similar additional support needs, towards a positive post school destination. This course provides an opportunity to explore the type of learning and support offered by Better
Lives Partnership. The programme runs for up to 12 weeks and includes the chance to achieve High 5 Awards and
visit a Better Lives Partnership site, gaining valuable insight into the environment and opportunities available through our programme. Transition sessions on site can also be offered to help pupils progress smoothly to Better Lives Partnership should they find that we are the right choice for them after leaving school. This is all being made possible by The National Lottery Community Fund, The Kilgallioch Community Fund and The Holywood Trust. Pictured is the Outreach Team Allison, Sam and Nadia.
