Students enjoy working

As part of the curriculum, young people aged 16 - 19, access work experience in local companies in and around Bexhill and Hastings.

They have been lucky enough to have roles in the local Bexhill Sainsbury’s, dog grooming, children’s nursery, local charity shops and cafés in both Bexhill and Hastings.

A group of young people from the college even went to Raystede Animal Centre for Welfare in Lewes, to get hands on experience of working with and caring for animals.

Wendy Maylam, from St Mary’s, said: “The placements are usually just a couple of hours a week for a set time and the young people can be accompanied by a member of staff, or attend places independently.

“These placements are a positive way for the young people to develop their work skills and also their communication and social skills.”

St Mary’s is currently looking for more businesses in the area which would be willing to take on students for work experience.

Wendy said: “If you are a local business and think you may be able to offer a placement to a young person at St Mary’s please contact Nicola Goodall on 01424 730740.”

St Mary’s was founded in 1922 as a special school for disabled children by medical professionals who wanted to provide the best possible start for young people who then had few opportunities to access education with support.

It has continued this ethos in the work of The Talking Trust. It is a leading registered charity which provides non-maintained residential education and therapy for children and young people aged 7 – 19 who have severe speech, language and/or communication difficulties.

Almost without exception, all their children and young people also have complex needs which may include medical issues, learning difficulties and physical disabilities.

St Mary’s is a children’s charity and as such receives no grants or donations from Local Government, relying on fund-raising.

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