A
self-contained community where students can live and learn in
a safe environment is moving into top gear at Hesley Village &
College as more and more facilities come on-line. The residents
at the Village range in age from 18 to 46, and all have complex
and severe learning difficulties and/or autism.
Recently
opened were the shopping arcade and more accommodation for students,
giving the former farmyard a real village feel. The shop, post
office, bank and bakery have become a focal point for both residents
and staff, not least because of the tempting smells from the ovens
wafting over the rest of the campus. Staff from the main Hall
played an integral role in setting up the bakery which is already
a popular spot for lunch and snacks.
While
students and staff take advantage of all that the grocery store,
boutique and bakery offer, the shops also play a vital role for
residents to practice valuable life skills.
At
present two students, Stacie Lee and Adam New, work in the boutique
and grocery store respectively. Education and vocational services
manager Richard Webster, explained that the placements form a
vital link in the students’ lives, where they go to work,
collect a wage, and return home again. In the long term it is
expected that the village will act as a training ground for life
in the outside community. “They can learn their skills here
and transfer them to outside work placements,” he said.
Retail
manager Pauline Heyes said that Stacie had played an important
part in setting up the shop, adding that she hoped other work
placement opportunities would present themselves as the village
nears completion next year.
“I
would like to see students involved in every bit of the village
and for parents to see them in a working environment,” said
Pauline. “It’s a wonderful opportunity, even for those
of our students who will never feel comfortable in the ‘outside’
world. The whole community feel will be fantastic when it is finished.”
At
the moment 53 students live in the village area but once construction
is finished resident numbers will rise to 80. The sympathetically
restored buildings provide a variety of houses, flats and bungalows,
all of which blend into their surroundings, and come with peace
and quiet built-in.
“The
builders have kept the traditional rustic look, so it is all in
keeping”. Richard is particularly looking forward to the
completion of the village square, which will feature a number
of buildings for communal use. “The vocational centre is
really exciting - it should be completed by the autumn,”
said Richard. “It will have woodcraft, pottery, paper making,
sculpture, a training kitchen, IT suite and library.”
In
addition, a former barn will be converted into a multi-use hall.
There will be a cinema, café and activities in the evening.
The barn and shops all face on to a courtyard, which will no doubt
become a hive of activity for the whole village.
“Hesley
Village & College is a community in itself offering wonderful
accommodation and learning-for-life opportunities in a safe environment,
which is so important to the residents,” added Richard.
