The Hesley Group

A large number of people from Low Laithes Village continue to attend The Eldon Centre, a special educational needs adult college in Barnsley. The Eldon Centre is committed to ensuring the inclusion of all pupils in the college and enabling each resident to fully access the curriculum course of their choice. One of the young men from Low Laithes enjoyed his graduation evening recently, a celebration of learning and achievement for the academic year 2010 – 2011. The course included four modules - food hygiene, interview techniques, local history and health & well being (cooking). Kath Dyson the Barnsley Mayor presented the certificate and hosted the fantastic evening. What a excellent achievement well done !!

Twice a month a volunteer from Pets As Therapy visits Fullerton House School with his pet dog Millie. Students who love animals get alot out of this actvitiy as do the children who are unsure about dogs. During each timetabled slot the young people get to spend time with Millie and this may involve petting her, brushing her and feeding her snacks. For some at first it may just involve learning to be comfortable in the same room as a dog. Millie is a gorgeous long haired collie dog and all of her student visitors and staff love her visits, their very own Lassie. Millie also works with their psychology department and some of the young people who have quite extreme phobias of dogs to help them feel more at ease in different situations around school.

Many of the adults from Hesley Village have recently taken part in projects that have benefit the local community. The first involved willow cutting in preparation for building a willow dome at Whiston Worry Goose Infant School. The second project involved several people making four large mosaic pictures for an outside sensory garden for Doncaster Children's Services.

One of the people supported at Low Laithes Village attends an advocacy group every week in Barnsley and progressed to Group Secretary. He helps people to participate in group meetings enabling people say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests and obtain services they need.

Richard Harvey, a 19 year old young man with Autism, has put his creative skills to work by penning a fictional adventure story for charity. Working with his staff at our Low Laithes Village site near Barnsley, Richard is raising money for three environmental charities through the sale of his book.

Our two schools for young people with complex needs and severe learning difficulties, Wilsic Hall School, Wadworth, and Fullerton House School, Denaby both near Doncaster, have each been awarded outstanding status for Care by Ofsted.

Hesley Group will be exhibiting on Stand K100 at the forthcoming Education Show which is held annually at the NEC, Birmingham. This year it will take place from Thursday 15th March until Saturday 17th March.

A social enterprise set up and run by the people of Hesley Village so they would have an outlet to sell their quality goods made in the vocational workshops. It has been a successful work placement for seven people and also one student from Fullerton House School.