Portland College

December 07 2010

Portland’s respite offering successful once again

Our successful respite offering was once again a success during the October/ November half term as a large group of our learners stayed on campus.

The College introduced the offering this year as an extension to our core service following demand from parents and carers. Learners remain in College during half terms and spend this time together on visits, doing activities, sports and much more, with the emphasis on having fun, maintaining independence and continuing their College experience.

Gail Kirby-Bontoft, Head of Independent Living, Health and Social Care said, “We are very pleased with the success of our respite offering and those people who have taken the opportunity to utilise the service. We provide a ‘Person Centred Approach’ to ensure that individuals’ needs are met by staff that are trained to an exceptional standard.”

Portland are hoping that in the future more of their current learners will take the opportunity to spend their breaks on respite. The offer is also available to disabled people who do not attend the College.

One of the learners who stayed this October/ November half term, Kieran Dickman, said “We had a great time during our respite week. I enjoyed mixing with a different group of learners and was pleased that I was with staff that I know and who know understand I like to do. We visited restaurants, went out to The Deep at Hull, as well as using the College facilities such as the hydrotherapy pool and leisure centre. I would recommend it to anyone and will definitely do it again!”

Respite will be available throughout 2011 on the following dates:
-  18th February 2011 – 27th February 2011 (inclusive)
-  15th April 2011 – 1st May 2011 (inclusive)
-  29th July 2011 – 11th August 2011 (inclusive)

For more information about respite at the College, or for an informal discussion, please contact Gail Kirby-Bontoft on 01623 499189.