Made-Well - Grow Cook Eat (NToW 145)
Background
Made-Well is a community interest company based in Hatherleigh which has been set up to support marginalised, disadvantaged, differently able people and members of the local community develop skills and move towards employment. Through the concept of the "Grow, Cook Eat" project people can access the facilities and learn new skills whilst developing an understanding of healthy lifestyles and how to produce local food. The project has a dedicated horticulture and agricultural site, a shop with a cafe and two skills workshops.
The project aims to give life skills, leisure and learning opportunities to the local community and those with learning difficulties, mental health issues, the long-term unemployed, the elderly, and other groups who are in some way disadvantaged and would like to be involved. Our ethos is to actively encourage participation irrespective of age, background, qualifications, training or ability.
Aims and objectives of the project
The core aim of the Made -Well proposal was to develop provision of progression and training opportunities for people with learning difficulties, to help them improve cognitively, learn new skills, socialise and develop skills which move them closer to becoming job ready.
We hoped this would be achieved through providing opportunities for service users to develop their skills and knowledge in a variety of subjects, which will enhance their health, well being and self esteem, as well as the opportunity to gain more formal qualifications in:
- Horticulture
- Catering
- Small and large animal husbandry
- Retail
What happened?
Following the initial research the government changes the way it funded adult learning qualifications and the ones we had originally aimed to deliver were not funded as part of the QCF reforms. Also in minimum contract levels were put in place which meant we could not draw down public funds for delivery unless we partnered with a larger provider or consortium of training/ education providers.
It took longer than we anticipated setting up partnerships and training the Made-Well staff. In order for us to offer QCF learning opportunities to the people which access the services.
Outcomes/achievements
We ran pilot training courses and involved clients and cares in the feedback process. This has helped us to tailor our provision of formal training opportunities in line with client interests.
In Spring 2012 we will run our first QCF units in progression through learning to cook. By September 2012 our staff will be fully qualified in QCF units of preparing to teach and teaching in the lifelong learning sector.
Working in partnerships with local providers enables us to observe best practice and draw on the local colleges administration and learner services.
Impact on workforce development and how others could use the learning
We have produced a presentation which captures our aims, the journey to development our challenges and also presents our achievements.
Some key findings to share are:
- Working in partnership is beneficial
- Taking feedback from service users helps to shape appropriate delivery
- Allowing the workforce to observe best practice encourages their own professional development
- Ensure carers are involved in giving feedback as their needs are important too
Additional material
