Harry's Story

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.

Now, 23-year-old Harry is thriving with a fulfilled life and dream job.

After completing an internship at Royal College Manchester, Harry gained paid employment at The Light cinema in Stockport, and also works as part of the Maintenance Team at Seashell. Our Employability Pathway sees 25% of students go into paid work, which is four 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.

“We just treated him the same as the rest,” said Helen, Harry’s mum. “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.

“The course at Seashell was the only thing Harry could have done. It’s very unique; I just knew it was the right place.”

Our Employability Programme is bespoke to our students’ aspirations, enabling Harry to try different work experience opportunities and develop essential skills for the future. Harry tried five difference placements, including the Laltex merchandise factory, National Trust sites, farms, and The Light cinema in Stockport.

Our team deliver disability training to supported employers to help them understand our students’ needs. Our unique programme is based on supported employment, where students are accompanied by a support worker.

Harry was the first student to secure a placement at The Light, and it was so successful they offered him paid employment.

Nicola Wood, Business Manager at The Light, 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.”

Now, the door has opened for other Seashell students to have this opportunity, and College student Romany began her work placement at The Light last year. Harry has been mentoring Romany during his shifts to support her and help her settle into her role.

Not only does Harry have paid employment at The Light, but he also works once a week in the Maintenance Team at Seashell. Harry completes essential work such as emptying the bins around site, sweeping, cleaning the minibuses, and weeding.

At Seashell, Harry works with Support Worker Andy, who previously worked at Royal College Manchester.

“When Harry first started at College he was a very shy young man,” said Andy.

“But look at Harry today – he’s a completely different person”

“We feel very lucky to have had the opportunities Harry has had,” said Helen. “He has a fulfilled life, seven days a week, and we’re extremely fortunate.”

Our Employability Pathway

At Seashell, we believe every young person deserves the chance to work. Our bespoke employability programme partners with over 40 businesses to carve meaningful roles, improve workplace accessibility and support long‑term success.

Through personalised job‑carving, workplace accessibility support and strong employer partnerships, Seashell enables 25% of students to move into paid employment — four times the national average.

Employment for people with learning disabilities leads to financial freedom, higher reporting of self-worth, skill development and social inclusion into society, according to a 2023 Mencap Report.

We are keen to work with organisations to create meaningful change and provide life-altering opportunities. Please contact CollegeWEX@seashelltrust.org.uk for more information.