College’s additional support needsday
Forth Valley College, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and Stirling Council teamed up recently to organise an event to help people with Additional Support Needs (ASN).
‘Moving On’ - which took place at the FVC Stirling Campus last week - was an ASN Transitions Roadshow which offered support to anyone needing additional support needs help and advice to take their next life steps.
Opportunities and advice were available in relation to guardianship, jobs, supported employment, care providers, further learning, fun activities, inclusive clubs, careers, volunteering and social groups.
Parents of children with ASN needs loved the event with one commenting: “Fantastic space and one of the best transition festivals I have been to.”
Another said: “So good to see this many opportunities for ASN. More Please.”
Led by Lucy Hawkins, FVC’S Curriculum Manager for Supported Programmes, the event was delivered in partnership with SDS’ Learning and Employability, Stirling Virtual Head Team, with support from Sharon Cowie who works at the college and is funded by the Young Person’s Guarantee.
Lucy, said: “From early discussions with partners and stakeholders it had become apparent that since Covid, ASN networks and connections had been lost. Parents and carers reported feeling alone and frustrated by the lack of a central location where they could go for guidance, when their young person was looking to transition into adulthood. They wanted to explore activities and opportunities that exist in the region for young people with ASN.
“The event was the first of its kind and was a resounding success with really positive feedback from young people, parents, carers and stakeholders, from local schoolteachers to national employability organisations.
“It has been great to see so many young people and their parents and carers come to an event which is specifically aimed at them, and conversations were had and connections made with ASN stakeholders all in one room.
“A special thanks has to be made to the Lifestart and Workstart students from Stirling who volunteered at the event, alongside lecturing staff from Supported Programmes, Creative Industries, and the Inclusion and Student Services Team.”