College charity receives £25,000 grant to support students with SEND
Residential students at a specialist Shropshire college, will be able to extend their skills needed to help them live more independently thanks to a generous £25,000 grant.
At Derwen College, in Gobowen, two adapted bungalows for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to live in, are being refurbished thanks to a grant from the Bernard Sunley Foundation.
The bungalows are part of the Agnes Hunt Village, a small development of residences where students learn skills to prepare them for a more independent life after college, including moving out of home into supported living.
The complex of 28 bungalows were the vision of Dame Agnes Hunt, founder of both Derwen College and The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital. It was in 1955, a decade after Dame Agnes’ death, that the first residents moved into the bungalows.
After nearly 70 years of use, the bungalows are being refurbished and adapted to meet the needs of college students with SEND.
Director of Finance and Sustainability Andrew Smith thanked The Bernard Sunley Foundation for supporting the refurbishment.
He said: “The Agnes Hunt Village bungalows offer students the perfect step towards a more independent future. As they progress from larger residences to smaller homes with gradually less staff support they are proud to live in their own homes with friends with their friends, taking more responsibility for themselves, their homes and their day-to-day living. Many of our students have been keen and able to progress into supported living after college because of their newfound independence.”
Bernard Sunley Foundation director, Sue Davies said:
“Trustees were very interested to hear about the work that has been achieved to date. We are delighted to be supporting this next phase of works, and wish Derwen College all the very best with the renovations.”
Students Brendan and James are housemates who live together in one of the bungalows.
James, who is a Horticulture student, says: “I’ve learnt to be independent. I make my own bed and make my own food. I can cook anything, especially pasta.
“I set an alarm on my phone to get to work for 9am. I’m never late.
“We share jobs in the house. I do the cooking and Brendan does the washing up.
“Hopefully, I’ll be able to move into my own home after college.”
Brendan, who is a Hospitality and Food student, says:
“Being in the bungalows has made me more independent and given me a sense of freedom.
“We are taught ILS (independent living sessions) and also help each other out around the bungalow.
“Living at college means we’re living and working together 24-7. I’ve learnt lots and met so many lovely people.
“I used to live in one of the bungalows which is now being updated, so a big thank you to the Bernard Sunley Foundation!”
Derwen College is a charity and relies on grants, donations and sponsorship to provide additional support and extra-curricular activities for students.
