Access All Areas

Our students and staff had a brilliant time at this year’s Achieving for Children Access All Areas event. It was a great chance to meet new people, make useful connections and chat with organisations who support young people with SEND. The event, run by AfC Kingston and TAG Youth Club, brings together young people aged 14 to 25 and their families to help them plan their next steps – from education and training to employment and independent living.

We were especially proud of our DFN Project SEARCH Supported Interns in Kingston, who were absolute stars on the day. They helped with everything from serving food and collecting feedback to welcoming guests and acting as event ambassadors. They also spoke confidently to visitors at their placement’s stand, which was a brilliant experience for them.

This year the event took place at Twickenham Stoop, and two of our former students actually joined the organising team this time around. A lovely full-circle moment. Part of the event was a reverse careers fair where students prepared a poster to introduce themselves and spoke to prospective employers who visited them about possible job opportunities.

Orchard Hill College also had a stand, showcasing our centres and courses to prospective students. WorkStart learners and students from our Beaconsfield Centre joined us at the event, and our student ambassadors were thrilled to meet special guest Councillor Noel Hadjimichael, Mayor of Kingston.

With over 60 exhibitors, from FE providers to independent living support and career organisations, it was a packed but extremely useful day. We’re already looking forward to going back next year and continuing to support this fantastic event.