FOUR young people with autism from Oxfordshire will get their first job helping out on a farm, thanks for a £4,000 grant from a high street bank.

Santander gave the cash to FarmAbility in Wytham to run its EmployAbility project, helping young people with autism and learning disabilities get into work.

FarmAbility runs an outdoor, purposeful, farm-based programme on a working farm that benefits the health and wellbeing of co-farmers with autism and learning disabilities.

Co-farmers come throughout the year, leaning animal care, horticulture and seasonal farm jobs, supported by program leaders, volunteers and occupational therapy students.

The grant will enable FarmAbility to offer a work preparation programme to four young people with autism or learning disabilities that will support them to move on to paid work, further training, or an apprenticeship.

The four interns will work alongside programme leaders, gaining experience and practical skills in a range of land-based activities, while building their confidence within a working environment, and in ability areas such as team working, taking responsibility, and supporting others.

Program director Sarah Giles said: “This grant will help us tackle the significant challenges that young people with autism or learning disabilities face when trying to find work. This program builds on our experience of enabling people to become active and connected members of their community.”