Page 3 - Calderstones Connect Newsletter Winter 14/15

Full Marks for Our Shared College
The Mayor of Ribble Valley has given his seal of approval to a major investment in service users at Calderstones.
CONNECT - WINTER 2014/15 : 03
In November, Cllr Michael Ranson formally opened a new vocational facility on our Whalley site. Called ‘Our Shared College’, it will enable our service users to gain skills and qualifications as part of their care pathway. Based in Calder Lodge, it consolidates a number of training and education services under one roof.
“I am delighted to see how the Trust supports its service users,” the Mayor told guests at the opening ceremony. “It’s impressive to see the range of courses, subjects and activities on offer.”
Cllr Ranson unveiled a plaque - which he was touched to note as his first named plaque during his term of office as the Mayor.
It’s widely appreciated that access to the jobs market for those moving on from the Trust can often be extremely restricted. That’s why we have long-standing partnerships with external bodies such as Accrington and Rossendale College, Lancashire Adult Learning, the Go-Velo Lancashire cycling group as well as voluntary organisations.
Modern occupational therapy gives prominence to technology and life skills to enable some of the most vulnerable people in society to be prepared for life after Calderstones. Skill based sessions focus on vocational, educational, creative and fitness pathways to enable independence.
The process of enrolment and, after the results, the presentation of certificates, closely mirrors the systems used in external FE environments.
After the formal opening, undertaken alongside a service user who has benefited from the college environment, the Mayor and Mayoress toured the vocational suite. They visited the classroom, therapy room and workshop facilities in ‘Our Shared College’, speaking to service users and watching demonstrations of woodwork and crafts. Guests included commissioners and NHS partners, and our chairman Rupert Nichols formally welcomed Cllr Ranson.
“The greatest thing about Calderstones is the opportunity to see individuals supported to move forward in their lives,” said Rupert. “Our Shared College will equip them with skills as they progress on their care pathway and, we hope, onwards to a place in the community. It is moving and humbling to see the range of attainment and I am proud of the achievements of service users and those who support them.”
In 2014, service users took 322 courses on subjects including money management, maths, upholstery, CV skills and horticulture.
126 accredited certificates - including nationally recognised qualifications - were awarded to individuals by Mark Hindle and Rupert Nichols at a special ceremony in St Luke’s.