Longreach Drug & Rehabilitation Centre. WEA Provision at Longreach Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre in Plymouth

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1 Longreach Drug & Rehabilitation Centre WEA Provision at Longreach Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre in Plymouth

2 Introduction Longreach is part of the Broadreach Rehabilitation centre in Plymouth, it is a female only residential centre with up to 24 women from all over the country resident at any one time; students come from a wide range of backgrounds. The women are particularly vulnerable many of whom have experienced abuse and violence; they usually stay between 4-6 months. The WEA provide a range of adult education courses at the centre which enhances and supports their recovery programme. Our courses provide an informal and fun way of learning. We aim to give opportunities to try new things, with an emphasis on improving general well-being and experiences that can aid relaxation and reduce stress. Many students have had a poor educational experience and our courses provide a foundation for many to continue learning when they have left the centre. Those staying in Plymouth are encouraged to try further WEA courses as part of our community programme; we also run some at tertiary re-habilitation centres in Plymouth that they usually attend as their next step. Those leaving Plymouth are given details of the WEA in other regions and encouraged to participate there.

3 Provision On average we provide 15 hours of adult learning in the centre per week. Courses cover a wide range of subjects such as: Martial Arts: Mindfulness: Art: Craft techniques: Complementary Therapies, Green wood working and Outdoor classroom embracing nature. We are introducing Dance fitness, jewellery making and creative writing in early The courses are designed to create an understanding and sense of social purpose. For example: A recent Educational visit to the Eden Project combined a look at plant natural remedies and the need for sustainability. As a result of this a recycled art installation is planned. Our work at Longreach is very collaborative giving tutors the opportunity to work together on projects and also regular team meetings encourages good practice and problem solving when working with this challenging student group. The tutors are exceptionally flexible in developing new approaches to teaching and their time. Provision is maintained during the summer holidays and even over Christmas (a very difficult time for the women in the centre), this year we have tutors working Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and through to New Year s Eve, this is testament to the dedication of the WEA team of Longreach tutors. The CPW managing the programme has regular meetings with residents, tutors and the management team at Longreach, this ensures we respond to student and centre need/ interest, while providing a truly relevant educational programme that fits uniquely with the Longreach recovery programme. The CPW is also a tutor at the centre which helps with being up-to date with feedback and any issues that develop. Volunteers are used at the centre to support the WEA sessions. These are drawn from ex-residents after they have completed their treatment and had a successful follow up year; their work provides invaluable extra dimension to the WEA programme. It reinforces positive role models demonstrating the benefits of successful completion at Longreach; provides experience for the volunteers which has knock on effects for employability.

4 Outcomes WEA have been providing education and training opportunities to service users at Longreach for many years, and the contribution that this provision makes to our work is invaluable. Our service users are women who have been marginalised and stigmatised for many years, and who have lost faith and hope in a system that does not appear to work for them. Many of our clients have underachieved in formal education settings, often because of difficult family circumstances and damaged childhoods, as well as through their substance misuse. WEA offers them an opportunity to work with professionals who treat them with dignity and respect, meeting them where they are in their process and rekindling and inspiring an enthusiasm and desire for learning. WEA tutors are not easily discouraged, often working with a woman slowly, over several weeks, in an effort to discover the key to unlock that individual s creativity and passion for learning and achievement. WEA work tirelessly to adapt their provision to meet the needs, interests and aspirations of the client group, bringing their own creativity to bear in the development and continuous improvement of their provision. Emily Wilkins Longreach Manager I really enjoyed the WEA courses, I was not sure at first, but they really helped me and made a difference to how I view things and gave me confidence to keep learning- give it a go! Deb ex-resident A thoroughly enjoyable visit to the Eden project. Everyone had a good day. It was educational, cultural, more elements of eco-friendly than I have ever experienced. Learnt so much! Emma student

5 Student Journeys From WEA student to volunteer to University D began her journey with the WEA as a resident at Longreach. Initially hesitant she quickly embraced the WEA provision enthusiastically attending, engaging in and promoting the range of courses to new residents. Following her successful treatment she attended WEA computing course and became a WEA classroom volunteer at Longreach. The WEA courses and her involvement as a volunteer helped to give her the confidence, direction and experience to look at further education. She successfully completed her access to HE course last year and is now enjoying her first term studying at Plymouth University for a BSc (Hons.) Sociology. She still continues to volunteer with the WEA and inspires new residents at Longreach. She is considering a future in community work or the probation service, and now feels the world is wide open to her. From WEA student to volunteer to work C has found volunteering with the WEA helped to return her to the structure of the work environment after successfully completing treatment at Longreach attending all WEA provision there. Volunteering on the St Luke s Creative well-being project gave her responsibility while being in a supportive environment. It gave me a sense of normality and acceptance which heightened my self-esteem. C is now working but continues as a WEA classroom volunteer, she feels the volunteering experience will give me a good grounding to move back into work as a carer working with vulnerable adults.

6 WEA 4 Luke Street, London EC2A 4XW Tel: Fax: national@wea.org.uk The Workers Educational Association (WEA) is a charity registered in England and Wales (number: ) and in Scotland (number SCO39239) and a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (number ). Registered office: Workers Educational Association, 4 Luke Street, London EC2A 4XW