AN INNOVATIVE partnership project to help people reach their full potential has been launched.
Realising Our Potential, run by Lakes College, supports people who may need additional help and guidance and helps develop their confidence and self-esteem.
The project, which was launched on Monday, is aimed at those with physical and learning disabilities, autism or mental health issues. Offering programmes tailored to an individual’s needs and designed around their own interests, it provides participants with work placements, social activity, community engagement and employability and independent living skills workshops.
The course has been developed following £100,000 grants from Copeland Borough Council and Copeland Community Fund.
Chris Nattress, Lakes College Principal, said: “We’re really proud to be launching the Realising Our Potential project and to help support our community further.
“It can help people to access opportunities in education, training, employment and aiding them to move towards independent living, increased independence around the home, volunteering and improved confidence and self-esteem.
“Anybody can take part in the project as our team will make it fit individual needs, and we will work alongside other programmes or education.”
Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, said: “This project is one of Copeland Council’s top priorities – providing equal opportunities to everyone in our community – and forms a key part of our social inclusion agenda.
“The difference a project like this makes could be life-changing. An individual realising their potential means different things to different people. For some it could be improving their self-worth by taking part in some community activity. For others, it could be learning some employability skills on their way to entering the world of work.
“I am fully confident that this project will be the success it deserves to be, and I wish everyone involved every success.”
For more information on the course, contact Lakes College on 01946 839300.
