by Lucie Robins, Educational Programme Coordinator
At MacIntyre No Limits™ in South Buckinghamshire, we support young people in post-16 education. No Limits provides an inclusive and flexible education model for young people who have special education needs, including autism.
Out in the community
A lot of learning takes place in community settings, as young people learn crucial life skills, focusing on their skills and what they enjoy. We have been looking for ways to strengthen relationships in the local community.
An Easter event
Talking to young people, we hit on the idea of holding an Easter tea party and craft sale.
Learners enjoy making crafts and they wanted to use the event to support this and some 1:1 enterprise projects. For example one student does bike repairs, and others are involved in a gardening project.
We decided to hire the local community centre.
Getting ready
I worked with the learners and MacIntyre’s central marketing team to publicise the event. The young people had very specific requirements for the visual elements of the publicity and how it would read.
In addition to crafts, refreshments, gifts and demonstrating our enterprise efforts, we decided to have a raffle and other competitions.
Everyone was involved in preparing for the event. It was very much put together between us all jointly, learners and staff – co-produced is the official term!
On the day
Several of the learners’ parents came along, as well as some members of the public from the neighbourhood, and we were joined by some men who live nearby and are also supported by MacIntyre. So it was a nice mixed group of people.
It was a valuable opportunity for young people to polish their communication skills, show off their skills and talents and generally experience a sense of accomplishment and being of value locally.
What people said
The young people found it a valuable experience:
I quite liked making the icing and decorating the cupcakes. I also enjoyed spending time with my friends at the Easter fair
Sumayyia
We talked about serving the drinks, which I did and I enjoyed it
Muqaddas
It was good. I enjoyed saying hello to everyone
William
I enjoyed the Easter fair because it was nice I got to spend time with my friends.
Rodrigo
The cakes were tasty, yummy and delicious. The Easter Fair made me happy.
Alvin
And here's what one learner's parent said:
Thank you so much for the invite for today, I had a lovely time and enjoyed seeing my daughter with students and the team, plus meeting some of the other students and staff. This must have taken so much time to organise and effort.
Thinking about what's next
So we’re very pleased with the reactions and the learning, and already looking forward to our next venture.
Everyone Everywhere
You can read all our recent Everyone Everywhere stories, in which we explore community connections, here.
