Welfare Team
The BLC Welfare Team is made up of:
- Becky Birtwistle- DSL/Welfare Lead
- Lucy Young-Family Worker
- Steven McKendrey- Family Worker
- Melanie Quigley- Family Worker
- Jackie Robinson- Community Development Officer
Our Aims
We aim to provide support and guidance to parents, carers and our learners in a wide variety of ways to try to address any barriers to learning. We want to ensure every learner can achieve.
We advise on techniques and approaches to ease pressures on vulnerable families, we advocate on behalf of families so they are able to access support that meets their needs and work with families to motivate them towards positive change.
We work within family networks and also with a wide variety of external agencies.
What do we do?
Work with school & families to tackle barriers that impact on their child’s education, health & well-being.
- Regular support either through one to one sessions, group work or family work either in school, home or in the community.
- Support for parents and carers to deal with stress management and parenting issues using positive parenting strategies and techniques. Examples; behaviour management techniques, developing and maintaining positive routines, relationship and conflict advice and guidance
- Address issues that are a safeguarding or welfare concern that impact on a child’s wellbeing.
- Act as a school representative on safeguarding matters including attending multi-agency meetings
- Support improving family relationships
- Help for families to find activities and groups to access locally and ensure the opportunity to enjoy life and achieve personal goals.
- Help with access to health care and advice on healthy lifestyles, relationships and staying safe.
- Make appropriate referrals to other agencies for specialist advice or support
- Develop opportunities for our students and their parents to engage with the local community in a positive way
- Support with practical needs of families, Example; help with accessing foodbanks, help with obtaining necessary household items, clothing etc
The Youth Team
Our school based youth workers introduce our learners to a wide variety of activities, opportunities and new experiences. They aim to cater for all abilities and interests and to include every student that attends the BLC.
Arman Khan.
Chelsea Williamson
Our aims are that social and communication skills are improved and students are provided with different opportunities to learn and thrive. The youth team provides opportunities for students to try something new and learn new skills whilst working to increase their self-esteem and independence, build friendships whilst gaining mutual trust and understanding and leave the learners feeling a sense of belonging and achievement, whilst also bringing lots of fun.
We want all learners participating to thrive and feel like they have achieved, whilst also gaining a variety of new skills which can last a lifetime.
What do the Youth Team offer?
Woodwork:
An introduction to basic skills of using tools, hand-eye coordination is gained, as children learn to handle the tools with care and increasing control, they can develop both their fine and gross motor skills. Young people whom participate in workshop, gain team building skills, working well as a team, relying on each other’s strengths for a shared goal of a big project, i.e. building a coffee table. Creative and critical thinking and problem solving are paramount as they work together through trial and error towards a shared goal. Skills gained within this workshop are skills which will last a lifetime; for example hanging a door, putting a shelf up. Woodwork also incorporates skills from other subjects which enhances classroom learning.
Ability bikes:
Ability bikes embraces children of all ages, abilities and differing needs. This session allows every child to experience bike riding no matter what their ability, if they have never rode before, or if they are an experienced rider. All levels of riders can participate in an all-inclusive session which is enjoyable and fun. Provided at the session are a range of specially adapted cycles, from go karts to 4 wheels to tandem bikes. Which means lots of fun, both physically and mentally, for everyone involved.
Bushcraft:
Bush craft is an outdoor education session which takes place in a private forest, with access to a small stream. Helps learners to connect with nature, create a calming space which in turn can improve social and emotional wellbeing and build positive relationships. Bushcraft uses the woods and forests as a means to build independence and self-esteem in children, allowing them the safety to explore nature and the benefits within a safe space. Whilst completing bush craft we aim to bring classroom learning outside by providing on hands experiences;, for example last year we planted several trees in the bush craft area, whilst also discussing the role of trees within our world and how these support the eco system, and are a part of our world, the planet and house nature. We also incorporate lots of fun with den building, looking for habitats, looking at insects and mini beasts and creating small fire where the children are able to roast marshmallows and have biscuits, sing songs and play games, and getting muddy, with the occasional visit to see the lamas whom live across the stream and are very friendly.
Watersports:
Watersports takes place at Salford Quays at the Helly Hansen center. The young people take part in a range of different activities, including kayaking, paddle boarding, giant paddleboard and sailing. There are significant benefits of water sports, and being on the water; physical exercise, improves body posture, being on the water can be a great mood booster and mental health regulator, relieving stress and anxiety, help to feel more focused, energised and able to tackle everyday stresses. Trying something new aids confidence building, which in turn aids self-reliance and independent thinking. Water based games and team work encourage communication, whilst healthy competition fosters determination and problem solving in a fun and friendly environment.
