inclusion education
Search
Youtube Linkedin Instagram Facebook
Donate
inclusion education
Menu
Inclusion Education branding shapes

Inclusion EB8

Employability Bridge, Infinite Potential

A full-time supported employment and personal development programme for young people aged 16-25

Inclusion Education branding shapes

We're here for 16-25 year olds

A full-time supported employment and personal development programme for young people aged 16-25 with barriers to employment such as SEND or mental health challenges.

We’re here for those who may not have thrived in college, who need time, confidence and direction to move forward.

Email us to book a visit

What We Do

EB8 is a full-time programme designed for young people with additional needs or mental health challenges who are looking for help to explore employment, further training, or independent living.

Many of our learners have struggled to stay in college or haven’t been able to attend at all. EB8 gives them a fresh start – structure, purpose, and the confidence to take the next step. We’re flexible too: some learners attend five days a week, while others combine our core delivery days with part-time work or work experience.

We combine ASDAN-accredited qualifications, dedicated 1:1 support, real work experiences, and powerful personal development in a safe, supportive environment.

We support both young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) through our main EB8 programme, and those without EHCPs through our partnership with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) via Elevate Basingstoke.

We’re not a college. We’re something different. A bridge. An employability hub that meets you where you are and helps you get where you want to be.

“We help young people to develop their essential workplace skills and advocating for their neurodiversity in their future workplace!”

Inclusion Team Member​

Your Week at EB8

Every week is different. A balance between structure and independence, designed to fit your pace and needs. Every week is built around you.

Monday & Wednesday: Core Delivery Days (10am–3pm)

  • Group workshops
  • Employability skills training
  • 1:1 wellbeing & careers support
  • Personal reflection & goal setting

Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: Flexible Workshop Days

  • Vocational tasters
  • Employer-led sessions
  • Community trips
  • External speakers
  • Work experience
  • Independent study

How to Join EB8

For Young People with an EHCP

If you’re aged 16–25 and have an Education, Health and Care Plan, you can self-refer or be referred by a parent, college or professional. We’ll guide you through the process and liaise with the local authority to secure a funded place. We offer five days of support each week, including core delivery on Mondays and Wednesdays and flexible workshop access Tuesday through Friday.
Refer a Young Person
Download a referral form

For Young People Without an EHCP

As part of our partnership with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP),  Basingstoke youth hub – hosted by Inclusion EB8 is now available – an additional programme for young people who don’t have an EHCP.

If you think you might qualify for an EHCP but don’t yet have one, our admissions advisor can help explain the process and point you towards the right support. Many young people who need one simply haven’t had the right help to apply yet.

This service is accessed via the DWP and offers sessions focused on developing work skills, employability, experience, and confidence.

For Professionals

If you’re a social worker, SENCO, careers advisor, or support worker, you can refer a young person to EB8. We work collaboratively with multi-agency teams to ensure smooth transitions and joined-up support.

Contact us to discuss a referral: info@eb8basingstoke.org.uk or 01256 805710

Explore Our Space

Focus Zone

A quiet, dedicated area for independent work, study, and personal projects. When you need to concentrate, this is your space.

Wellbeing Zone

A calm, comfortable environment for 1:1 mental health support, mindfulness, and personal reflection with our wellbeing team.

Learning Zone

Our main hub for group workshops, skills sessions, employer talks, and collaborative learning. This is where ideas come to life.

Communal Area

Relax, connect, and build friendships. Our communal space is the heart of EB8 – a place to be yourself, share lunch, and feel part of something.

Why EB8 Is Different

Individual Support Plans

Every learner starts with an action plan built around their goals and EHCP outcomes. Together, we baseline key skills, set meaningful targets and review progress each term. It’s person-led and built around what you want to achieve – not a one-size-fits-all programme.

Focus on Confidence, Mindset & Mental Health

Many of our learners join us after difficult experiences with education or employment. Mental health support is part of every week – not an add-on. We work with each person to build resilience, manage anxiety and rebuild belief in their own potential.

ASDAN Careers & Experiencing Work Short Course

We deliver ASDAN-accredited qualifications in Careers and Experiencing Work. These nationally recognised courses help you prove your employability skills and give you something tangible to take to future employers or training providers.

Real Partnerships, Real Opportunities

Our learners gain first-hand experience with local employers in sectors such as retail, hospitality, and office-based work. We’re proud to partner with businesses across Basingstoke, Andover and Hart, giving every learner a chance to try new things in real workplaces.

Success Stories

"EB8 has help me grow my confidence and initiative in the safe space that EB8 brings. It has help me imagine a brighter future for myself in which I can be my true self and follower my own path. "
Learner Feedback
"EB8 is a lovely place to be with staff members who are extremely accepting and work hard to accommodate and support everyone needs. "
Learner Feedback
"Eb8 has brought many opportunities for me, I’ve gained a vast amount of work experience in the hygiene bank as well as work experience in the local theatre doing a script review for people with different sensory needs"
Learner Feedback
"Eb8 has brought many opportunities for me, I’ve gained a vast amount of work experience in the hygiene bank as well as work experience in the local theatre doing a script review for people with different sensory needs"
Learner Feedback
"I’ve had the opportunity to develop my CV, create a work log and complete an online course. But most importantly EB8 has brought me the opportunity of community friendship and place to be. "
Learner Feedback

Meet the EB8 Team

Our team is here for one reason: to help you succeed. We’re experienced, passionate, and committed to seeing you reach your potential.

Alex Edwards

Head of EB8

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead

Katy Jones

Lead for Work Preparation

Lizzie Allars

Progression Mentor – Mental Health

  • Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

What Employers Say

"Our son is talking about school - he's never done this before! It's just transformational. He's a totally different boy, he's just unlocked. It's been life-changing for us as parents"
"He said he was amazed at how relaxed everyone was and that in class, because there was not pressure, he felt more productive than ever!"
"Thank you for all you do and all the excellent support you give to the learners at Inclusion. I feel very lucky that our son was offered a place at Inclusion School."

Work With Us

Want to get involved? If your business is based around the wider Basingstoke area, we’d love to connect. We’re part of the local community and want to help shape a diverse future workforce right here.

For Employers & Community Partners

We’re building strong, long-term relationships with local employers – from high-street retailers to office-based organisations – who are keen to open doors for our young people. Our goal is to make it simple and rewarding for you to get involved. We handle all the preparation, paperwork and support throughout each placement.

Contact us at EB8@inclusioncollege.org.uk

Partner With Us

How you can get involved:

  • Provide work placements or job shadowing opportunities
  • Deliver talks, workshops, or mentoring sessions
  • Support mock interviews or workplace visits
  • Offer job opportunities for neurodiverse individuals

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an EHCP to join EB8?
For our main EB8 programme, yes; we support young people aged 16-25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan. However, we also run Elevate Basingstoke for young people without an EHCP, accessed through the DWP.

We support young people aged 16-25.

Absolutely. We encourage real-world work experience and can work flexibly around part-time employment. Just talk to us about your schedule.

EB8 is designed to support you for as long as you need, based on your individual goals and EHCP outcomes. Some learners stay for a year, others longer – it’s about your journey, not a fixed timeline.
We’re located at Belvedere House, Basing View, Basingstoke, RG21 4HG; easily accessible and purpose-designed for our learners.
We support you to transition into paid employment, supported internships, further education, volunteering, or community-based pathways. Every learner leaves with a clear next step and ongoing support to get there.