Stockport Council’s Continuing Education Service has been named as a finalist in this year’s Green Gown Awards, for its work empowering local residents through its Turnaround project ‘Benefitting Society’
Working in partnership, the Council and ACORN offer support and a range of volunteering opportunities to individuals recovering from addiction dependency, helping to build their confidence and open new doors for the future.
Over 100 individuals have already taken part in the project, with many gaining a new found confidence and self-esteem, and choosing to re-engage in education beginning courses such as Counselling.
One recent learner said:
“I wanted to feel like I was giving something back for all the help and support I’d received and being able to support others helps me recognise the importance of these courses”.
There are now plans to extend the programme further to work with the Probation Service, to support those in custody or on probation.
The Green Gown awards celebrate the work of further and higher education does enabling and empowering young people, ensuring that they have a better tomorrow. Selection as finalists within the Benefitting Society category highlights the excellence of service offered by the Council and builds on the successful Ofsted report that Stockport Council’s Continuing Education service received last year.
Councillor Dean Fitzpatrick, Cabinet Member for Education at Stockport Council said:
“Huge congratulations to everyone involved in the Turnaround project on this fantastic achievement. Your vital work is helping to improve the opportunities for many young people and adults across Stockport and Greater Manchester. Good luck for the finals later this year.”
The Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on 8 November 2018 at the National Railway Museum in York.