Almost 30 young adults received certificates at a graduation and awards event held by Hartlepool Borough Council to mark their completion of supported internships or community volunteering placements.
The ceremony took place at the Centre for Independent Living on 11 August 2026. It honoured the achievements of young adults with additional needs and/or autism, as well as the employers and mentors who supported them.
What Are Supported Internships?
Supported internships are structured, work-based study programmes for 17-25 year olds with additional needs and/or autism. They are designed to help participants gain the skills, experience and confidence needed to move into paid employment.
The Council's volunteering programme offers another pathway for people with additional needs and/or autism to build skills, meet new people and feel part of the community.
Internship Completions
Six young adults completed internships with Hartlepool Borough Council: Mitchell Jenkins, Thomas Collins, Emily Sudron, Macey Bigwood, Jack Richardson and Finley Coleman.
Five completed internships with Asda: Aimee Mitchell, Leah Maughan, Kieran Hunter, Noah Hunter and Joshua Grainger.
Community Volunteering Awards
Seventeen young adults received certificates for their community volunteering achievements: Alice Crinson, Michael Ainger, Cheryl Mcdonald, Jay Collins, Tom Proctor, Ethan Bryson, David Boyd, Paige Llewellyn, Thomas Maw, Jamie Haresnape, Benjamin Shave, Billy Wearmouth, Connor Scott, Scott Mcelvey, Vicky Faulkner, Jeanette Potts and Gavin Cummings.
Outstanding Mentors
Three mentors received outstanding mentor awards: Tony Marsh for the Asda internships, Paul Hunt for the Hartlepool Borough Council internships, and Paul Benson for volunteering.
Hartlepool Art Gallery received an award for outstanding contribution to intern development.
Event Highlight
A highlight of the ceremony came when some of the young adults took to the stage in front of a large audience to host a question-and-answer session. They spoke with confidence about their experiences, achievements and plans for the future. The panel included Noah Hunter, Leah Maughan, David Boyd, Mitchell Jenkins, Tom Collins and Emily Sudron, with Olivia Kerr-Morgan as event compere.