Project Name: Care Co-ops FRENES 2 project

Care Co-ops received Leonardo Mobility funding for the FRENES 2 project. The project enables learners with additional support needs to undertake work placements in Catering and Hospitality, Horticulture and Ecological Construction.

Work Placements within Social Enterprises

Each work placement takes place for two weeks within a number of social enterprises in Northern France. Care Co-ops have developed a platform of partners that offer these opportunities in inclusive and supportive settings including the Chamber de Metiers et de L Artisanat for Somme, Eco Chateau in Normandy, Mission Locale and the Group FIL in Normandy.

Work placements take place in a number of social enterprises including the ‘Eco Château’, a training hotel and catering kitchens of Colleges and Training Organisations. These work placement opportunities enable learners to acquire knowledge and skills that will be assessed by tutors. A programme of preparation takes place over an eight to ten week prior to the start of each mobility visit.

The Programme of Preparation

French language lessons are provided during this period which focus on the occupational area that the participants are engaged in. This approach is continued once in France where a French teacher accompanies the groups and language learning opportunities are explored in as many situations as possible. A checklist is worked through with each participant to ensure that they are well prepared and the support networks that they will access are fully aware of what is involved in the each placement.

The medical and emotional support needs of each participant are assessed with the individual and members of their support network. During this phase, consultation takes place with the learners to determine their goals and aspirations for the visit. A programme is then built that will seek to match the goals developed by learners with support from tutors. The training programme is then agreed by both Care Co-ops and the social enterprise in advance of each placement.

Benefits to All

Care Co-ops have benefited from the transnational partnerships that have been established through the participation in the Leonardo programme. The opportunity for shared, collaborative working and learning has enabled the services offered by Care Co-ops, and their partners, to improve in quality and delivery.

The UK training organisations and colleges involved in the project have seen huge changes in their students thanks to their work placements.  Students have become more confident and increased their interpersonal skills.

It's all designed so students learn to take responsibility for themselves.  We treat them like adults so they can learn to make adult decisions.

Ralf Hubbard, NACRO