National Star in new BBC documentary
National Star's BBC documentary A Life of My Own follows Elliot's journey from college to adulthood, highlighting post-education challenges.
National Star has been involved in a unique BBC documentary which follows young person with disabilities as they leave college and prepare for life as an adult.
A Life of My Own follows a young man during his years as a residential student at National Star in Cheltenham and then his challenges after college to find a place to live and to secure work.
The 30-minute documentary was filmed over five years. Elliot, the focus on the documentary, left National Star in 2022. He finally, this autumn, moved into supported living and is thriving.
“National Star is proud to be part of this unique long-term film because it highlights the challenges faced by so many National Star students and their families once they leave college,” says Chief Executive Lynette Barrett.
“As a national charity supporting young people with disabilities, we sadly know too well the barriers they encounter after education. We, as so many other organisations, can do so much to prepare young people for adulthood and they leave with such potential.
“Tragically the support post education, from housing to support to community access, continues to be eroded and lost. The result is the lost potential of so many young adults who have a great deal to contribute to our society.”
The film is released to coincide with a House of Lords Public Services Committee report on the transition from education to work for young people with disabilities.
