Learner Of The Year 2015

We would like to congratulate our Leaner of the Year 2015 – Michelle Turner from Looking Forward Activities

Michelle owns Looking Forward Activities, a company providing support and activity groups to young adults with a learning disability. Michelle has completed the Higher Apprenticeship in Care, Leadership & Management. After discussion about a research unit, Michelle was challenged to consider topics that would facilitate change in current practice, and lead to improvement in service delivery.

Michelle highlighted the lack of employment opportunities for young adults with a learning disability and so the challenge began! Her aim was to develop an opportunity which would meet the above criteria and support, educate and safeguard the young adults at the same time. The activity group meets daily in a community hall and Michelle considered the prospect of opening up a cafe there once a week where the young adults would learn new skills around communicating with the public, food health and safety and basic numeracy and writing skills. With the support of her staff, Michelle soon started the cafe, which proved to be a great success. Michelle has shown great commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable adults and including them in society. She is an inspiration to the sector!

However, Michelle has not stopped there and is currently facilitating the development of an allotment where the young adults can learn to grow fruit and vegetables to be sold to the public.
“My assessor was approachable, friendly and knowledgeable, and gave me the confidence to take on this challenge.”

Michelle states that she had “great tuition and support” whilst being on programme and learnt so much that she is now encouraging staff members to take up the opportunity of completing an apprenticeship with DHA!