Costa Coffee’s charity partner The Costa Foundation has announced a £50,000 investment in the UK to support two schools in Hampshire and Kent for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

The funds will support the students in undertaking a project which gives them the opportunity to experience a working environment.

This comes as data from NHS Digital revealed that only 5.1 per cent of adults with a learning disability are in paid employment in England, while 13.3 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds are not in education, employment or training.

The Foundation’s funds will support the Planting Possibilities programme at Trelaor’s School & College in Hampshire, which gives disabled children and young people skills through gardening and growing.

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The specialist school in Kent will change an existing teaching kitchen into a commercial standard training area where students between the ages of 11 and 19 can gain hands-on experience.

Executive director at the Costa Foundation, Kate O’Brien, said: “Funding our first-ever UK projects is an exciting step for the Costa Foundation, and we’re proud to be supporting two schools doing life-changing work for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

“The Costa Foundation exists because we believe education unlocks brighter futures and are looking forward to seeing the impact of these projects on children and young people in the UK.”

The Costa Foundation is set to host events at the two schools on 4 and 5 June, which gives the students a chance to learn more about the projects.