Abingdon & Witney College up for national award for carer support project

Abingdon & Witney College have been announced as a finalist at the annual Association of College Beacon Awards, for its specialist course provision and support for carers.

This year, the RCU Award for Support for Students required applicants to have an ‘inclusive curriculum which promotes equality and diversity and includes teaching and learning activities well matched to students’ different needs’, and ensured that students are ‘equipped and empowered to; have a voice, solve their own challenges, make their own choices, and participate in community or society’.

A Carer’s Journey, the project the College put forward for consideration which is run in partnership with Carers Oxfordshire, helps a carer gain confidence in their role as well as offer an opportunity to take time away from this role and access workshops and short courses that are designed to promote their wellbeing.

Every year more than two million people in the UK become carers. One in eight adults in the UK is a carer, although, because many people are looking after family, friends or relatives, they don’t necessarily recognise themselves as a carer.

The project provides a mix of workshops and short courses, with themes including mindfulness, first aid, art for relaxation, and yoga, and learners are free to follow the entire ‘journey’, or to pick and choose courses.

The College will be up against both Chichester College Group and Portland College when the winners are announced.

Jacqui Canton, Principal & CEO at Abingdon & Witney College, said:

“We have had a successful track record with the Beacon Awards in recent years and we are absolutely delighted to be an AoC Beacon Award finalist again.

To be recognised for the innovative work we do is testament to the hard work of our staff and students. We are very proud to be leading the way in championing support, wellbeing and learning for the care community - it is more important than ever, during this time of increased uncertainty and pressure the care industry is under, to be able to give something back.”

“The brilliant A Carer’s Journey programme is just one of many initiatives that form our wider commitment to create the best possible learning experience for our students and local community, and provide truly life-changing experiences.”