Adults with learning disabilities have been congratulated for completing courses which will help them become more independent and get a job.

It is the first time Mencap has run the programmes in Medway and the charity has been working with Vanquis bank to support the group of 12.

To mark their success, a graduation ceremony was held at the bank in Chatham Maritime.

Karen Francis, from the charity, said: “We are so proud of their accomplishments and this is all made possible by the support of Mencap and Vanquis changing lives of people with a disability living in Medway.”

Courtney Oyston, Steven Moon, Terry Allen, Niall Mooney and Gordon Lewington graduated from the Young Ambassadors programme and are now be ready to move onto the employment program.

Lisa Pullinger, Ryan Woodman, Steven Moon, Sean Byford, Andrew Knivette, Kerry Stark, Vince Burford and Katy Dyer graduated from the Money Management scheme which helps with personal budgeting.

Mencap’s Young Ambassadors programme helps people aged 18-25 build confidence, interact with other people, and take on responsibility.

The programme saw the group create a magazine about their time on the course as well as volunteering at a British Heart Foundation shop and at a disability sports event.

They also took part in learning disability work experience week, which saw 20-year-old Courtney find out what it was like to be a reporter when she joined the team at the Medway Messenger.

The next step is the Employ Me programme which builds their skills further and helps them to find employment through work experience. They also have help with CVs, interviews, searching for jobs and time-keeping.

Visit www.mencap.org.uk