Local NHS service helps students reach their potential

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Lindley special care unit has been helping Huddersfield Technical college students reach their potential through work placements

The unit offers day care for people with profound physical and learning disabilities in Huddersfield. They have taken on many NVQ health and social care students over the last few years many of whom have successfully gone on to nurse training or become health care support workers.

The latest student success story is Shaun Thorpe who was awarded Student of the Month (June 2006) and Runner up Student of the Year at a special awards ceremony held at Galpharm Stadium for students across Calderdale and Kirklees

Shaun became a valued member of the team during a six month placement at Lindley last year as part of his NVQ level 2 Health and social care course. He’s now returned for a further year’s placement as he studies for his NVQ level 3.

Shaun said, "I enjoy working here at Lindley – I like the atmosphere and the way the unit is run. My favourite part of the job is the range of activities we do with the clients – we go for walks, minibus trips and do physical activities with games and footballs.

"Every opportunity we get we try take the clients to the hydro therapy pool which they find really beneficial. We go out into the community as much as possible too – to cafes, restaurants and coffee mornings. I’m hoping to work with this client group when I finish my NVQ.

"I was really pleased to win the awards – or should I say shocked! The awards were organised by Connections – which is the careers service for Calderdale and Kirklees. The college nominated me and Lindley Special Care supported it – I couldn’t believe I’d won!’

Lindley special care unit works closely with Huddersfield Technical College to review student’s progress.

Unit manager Paula Chilcott said, "Like all our placement students Shaun is a valued member of our team – he gets involved in care planning and planning activities. We’re delighted he won these awards!"

Local NHS service helps students reach their potential

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