Bridges Project participants experience alternative learning

Adult learners on a personal development programme at Walsall College swapped their regular timetable for a day of practical activities held both in and outdoors.  Activity organisers, Trek UK put 10 of the college’s Bridges Project participants through a series of sessions designed to enhance their confidence and team-working skills.

These included an I-Robot activity where a blindfolded person was guided through a route by two other individuals, whose own vision and speech were restricted.

Trek UK and similar organisations visit the college every year to provide project participants with a way to build on the skills they develop during their one to one and small group sessions at the college.  Completing the activities enhances their ability to engage with others by putting them in new situations.

Alison Davies, Bridges Project Mentor said: “These days are always great fun as the learners never quite know what to expect and become proud of how well they respond to the challenges put to them.  Stepping out from their comfort zone in this way is often a major step forwards towards them being more active in their communities.”

Alison continued: “2021 has proved particularly challenging for some project individuals with the pandemic and lockdown leading to them being further removed from their communities and services like our project.  We’re pleased these activities have been a way for everyone to look to the future and discover new personal goals to achieve.”

BBO Bridges is a free project designed to support local unemployed people aged over 25, who need that extra bit of help to move forward in life because of a health condition, physical disability, learning support need or autism.

Bridges is funded by the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.