Residential students at a specialist college for young adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) will be able to live more independently thanks to a generous £25,000 grant.
At Derwen College in Shropshire two adapted bungalows are being refurbished thanks to the 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.
“The Agnes Hunt Village bungalows offer students the perfect step towards a more independent future,” said Director of Finance and Sustainability Andrew Smith.
“As they progress from larger residences to smaller homes with gradually less staff support, they are proud to live in their own homes 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.”
Students Brendan and James are housemates who live together in one of the bungalows.
“I’ve learnt to be independent,” said James, who is a Horticulture student.
“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.”
Derwen College is a charity and relies on grants, donations and sponsorship to provide additional support and extra-curricular activities for students.
To find out more about the student experience or to make a donation, visit the Derwen College website at www.derwen.ac.uk.
Picture: Derwen College students Byron, Bernard and James
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