Open Doors (Issue 3)

Open Doors FOR EMPLOYERS SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH SEND ISSUE 3 SUMMER 2025 Brought to you by Access Cornwall CIC

WILDLIFE SPECIAL

Exclusive interviews at..

Cornish Seal Sanctuary Paradise Park in Hayle

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

How Roan got his dream job as a football coach

ON THE AIRWAVES

Want to be a radio presenter?

WELCOME

Our magazine is created by and for students all around Cornwall who have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND), and/or autism spectrum diagnoses, and our mission is to share inspiring stories and ideas about career and work experience opportunities.

This issue has a very definite focus on wildlife sanctuaries and we have some great interviews from learners who are doing work experience with the wonderful Paradise Park near Hayle and also the Cornish Seal Sanctuary near Gweek. We also hear from learners doing a wide range of jobs ranging from cooking in the wonderful Poppie’s Cafe in Penzance to learning how to present radio shows, to one young man who has gained paid work as an Assistant Football Coach.

We’re also delighted to showcase some of the amazing photographs that have been taken by students. All young people getting involved in Open Doors magazine have the opportunity to learn different skills from interviewing interesting people to taking photos and we have to say, some of the learners we work with are just incredibly talented ‘natural’ photographers. We hope you enjoy seeing their photography.

As always we also have some updates from the Youth Employment Project run by Cornwall Council as well as information about Supported Internships and how all employers in Cornwall can get involved in this fantastic scheme.

We hope this magazine gives you ideas for engaging and inspiring work experience opportunities. Again we thank Cornwall Council for funding this magazine.

Thank you for taking the time to read this issue. If you have any questions you can get in touch with the editorial team at hello@accesscornwall.org.uk

Produced by Access Cornwall CIC. With thanks to Cornwall Council who have funded this project.

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ABOUT THE TEAM WHO MADE THIS MAGAZINE This magazine has been inspired and co-created by a team of students with an array of talents and who also have experience of Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities. Our aim is to offer employers information and help directly from those young people who are seeking to find work opportunities in Cornwall.

Photography

The project has been funded by Cornwall Council.

David John, Kehelland College

Thank you for supporting this magazine. You can find out more about the team and the project at hello@accesscornwall.org.uk

Charlie, Nancealverne School

Aaron, Kehelland College Harvey, Kehelland College

Editorial Harvey, Kehelland College Aaron, Kehelland College Beth Nancealverne School Max, Nancealverne School Sky Nancealverne School Roan, Work Your Way Lili, Learn Your Way

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CONTENTS

Welcome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 About the team who made this magazine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 03 News and events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06 Paradise placement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08 Seal the deal! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Lili’s voice on the airwaves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 The Youth Engagement Project (yep). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Kicking goals: How roan found his dream job with the Football Fun Factory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Storytelling magic at Nancealverne school with the Minack Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Charlie’s chef dreams come to life at Poppies Café. . . . . . . . 20 Making waves: Sailability at Trevassack Lake. . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Supported internships. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Want to become an Access Cornwall Reviewer? . . . . . . . . . . 26

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NEWS AND EVENTS

Come and see us this summer!

The Access Cornwall team will be out and about around Cornwall this summer. If you’d like to find out more about us come and visit us at one of these events

Stithians Show, Monday 14th July Look out for our flags - we’re located near to the main food and music area at the show.

St Keverne Ox Roast, Saturday 2nd August Visit us in our Access Cornwall office on The Square in St Keverne at this annual event with stalls, music and the famous Ox roast.

Helston Fire Service Open Day, Saturday 16th August This was a wonderful event last year and promises to be even better in its second year. Come and see the team as well as the amazing live entertainment, events and lots of stalls from local businesses

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Introducing the new Open Doors magazine…

featuring accessible adventures, places to go and inspiring stories from people in our community

In the last three issues we have been delighted to be supported by Cornwall Council in producing this magazine that is primarily focused on careers and work experience opportunities for young people with Special Educational Needs and / or Disabilities in Cornwall.

Sadly the funding to continue this work experience project is no longer available. So we will be introducing a new version of Open Doors twice a year going forward, where we will be featuring accessible adventures, places to go and inspiring stories from people in our community who live with disabilities, health conditions and neurodivergence.

We will also be offering some work experience opportunities on the new magazine too, so if you work for a school, or are homeschooling or caring for a young person with SEND, and are interested in this opportunity please get in touch.

If you have a story or a business or charity that you would like us to feature in the new Open Doors magazine, please do get in touch with us at hello@accesscornwall.org.uk

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PARADISE PLACEMENT A Conversation With Nick Reynolds At Paradise Park

Students Harvey and David John are learners from Kehelland Colllege (part of Kehelland Trust) who are currently doing work experience at Paradise Park in Hayle.

Here they interview Nick Reynolds, Director of Paradise Park, to learn more about the popular wildlife sanctuary, its origins — and how Nick’s personal journey with dyslexia has shaped both his life and his work.

David John: How long have you worked at Paradise Park?

Nick: I’ve actually worked here all my life! My parents started Paradise Park, and we moved here when I was eight. I officially started working here when I left school, so it’s been around 45 years now. I’m 61, so you could say it’s been my lifelong home and career.

Harvey: Do you have a favourite bird in the park?

Nick: Absolutely — Max the Umbrella Cockatoo is my favourite. He’s down in the walled garden, and we’ve had a special bond since he arrived 30 years ago. I had a cockatoo called Susie when I was just five, and Max reminds me so much of her. He gives me cuddles, rolls on his back — he’s a real character.

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David John: What’s your favourite job here?

Nick: That’s a tricky one. I enjoy most parts of the job — except maybe cleaning the toilets! But one of my favourites is giving guided tours, like I did recently for a group of Brownies. I love talking about the park and sharing what we do. It brings everything to life.

Harvey: Do you have a favourite part of the park?

Nick: The walled garden is my favourite spot.

It’s where the flamingos are, and it is a very beautiful place, as you both know because you have helped so much with the garden there. Sometimes my sister and I sit there in the evening with a glass of wine. It’s a really special place.

David John: How many people work at Paradise Park?

Nick: We have about 55 staff in total. That includes around 25 keepers who care for the birds. Many of them have been with us for decades — some for over 40 years. We’re like a big family here.

Harvey: What time do you start work in the mornings?

Summer is wonderful because the park is full of people and we’re earning money, which keeps us going.

Nick: It depends. If I’ve been working late at our pub, The Bird in Hand, I might start a bit later. But sometimes I’m up at six or seven in the morning— it all depends on what needs doing that day.

David John: What’s your favourite season?

Nick: Summer is wonderful because the park is full of people and we’re earning money, which keeps us going. But spring is also special — - the birds start nesting, laying eggs and we get to see new chicks. It could be flamingo eggs, baby avocets running around or young parrots emerging from their nests.

Each season has something magical about it.

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Harvey: You mentioned earlier that you’re dyslexic. Would you be happy to talk about that?

Nick: Absolutely — I think it’s really important to talk about it. I’m quite severely dyslexic, and growing up in the 1970s, it wasn’t well understood. My dad — who was also dyslexic — fought hard to get me the support I needed. He even helped set up the Cornwall Dyslexia Association. I went to a specialist school where I finally met other kids like me.

It changed everything — I realised I wasn’t stupid, just different.

Even now, I write things down and then my sister helps me tidy them up. We all have our ways of working, and it’s important to remember that everyone learns and communicates differently.

David John: What’s it like having learners from Kehelland College here for work experience?

Nick: I really enjoy working with you both and all the students from Kehelland. You bring great energy and curiosity to the park. I wish I could spend more time with you — things are very busy behind the scenes — but I’m always looking forward to our next project. I think we’ll be building a goat play area soon!

Harvey: Is there anything you’d like to improve about the park?

Nick: Yes — we’d love to install a Changing Places toilet. It’s something we really need, but we can’t currently afford it. We’re trying to find funding to make it happen. Accessibility is so important, and it’s something we care about deeply.

Nick’s journey — from being a dyslexic child to leading one of Cornwall’s most loved attractions — is a powerful reminder that different ways of learning can lead to extraordinary success. Thanks to organisations like Kehelland College and inclusive employers like Paradise Park, young people with SEND are discovering fulfilling pathways into work.

You can find out more about the Kehelland College at www.kehellandtrust.org.uk Find out more about Paradise Park at paradisepark.org.uk

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SEAL THE DEAL!

Aaron, a student from Kehelland College, is doing work experience at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek to speak with Education Supervisor Rebecca Langston about her work, her favourite animals, and why the sanctuary is such a special place for learners and wildlife alike.

Aaron: Hello! Can I start by asking how long you’ve worked at the Seal Sanctuary?

Rebecca: Of course — I’ve been here for just over four years now, and I’ve been the Education Supervisor for the past three.

It’s a place I’ve really grown into, and I love what I do.

Aaron: Do you have a favourite seal?

Rebecca: I do! Jarvis is my favourite — he’s one of our common seals. He’s sweet and a little bit naughty. He loves to nap, but also wakes the others up by biting them on the bottom or jumping on their backs! He’s even obsessed with the theme tune from Lilo & Stitch — which, in my opinion, shows he has great taste in movies!

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Aaron: Why is working at the Seal Sanctuary so special to you?

Rebecca: That’s a great question. The sanctuary is more than just a place for animals — it’s a conservation site that helps protect wildlife and also gives people a peaceful, meaningful space to enjoy. I get to help educate people about the ocean and inspire them to care about it. Watching people connect with the animals and the natural world is something that never gets old.

Aaron: Do you have a favourite part of the site?

Rebecca: Believe it or not, it’s not where the seals are! My favourite area is actually down in the woods, where we have the beaver project. It’s so calm and quiet down there, and I’m really excited to be part of bringing beavers back into the wild. One little beaver like Turnip can make a huge difference to an ecosystem. It’s amazing to see.

… it’s a conservation site that helps protect wildlife and also gives people a peaceful, meaningful space to enjoy

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Calling all inclusive employers!

Kehelland College are always looking for includive employers to partner with and join their Employability Programme.

If you would like to know more, please contact Cat Allen at cata@kehellandtrust.org.uk

Aaron: What do you enjoy most about offering work experience placements to students like me?

Rebecca: Honestly, it’s one of the most rewarding parts of the job. Conservation is for everyone — not just scientists or people in government. Every person has a role to play.

So giving opportunities to people who might not otherwise get them is really important.

You never know who’s going to grow up to change the world — maybe it’ll be you, Aaron!

Aaron: Thank you! Is there anything else you’d like to share with readers of Open Doors?

Rebecca: Just that we really believe in getting everyone involved — no matter who they are, where they come from, or what challenges they face. We’re always open to ideas, and our website can be a bit tricky to navigate. If someone wants to get involved or has a suggestion, even if it’s not something we’ve advertised, we’d love to hear from them. Reach out — we’ll do what we can to help.

For more information about the Kehelland College visit: www.kehellandtrust.org.uk Find out more about the Cornish Seal Sanctuary and how you might get involved at sealsanctuary.sealifetrust.org

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LILI’S VOICE ON THE AIRWAVES How Young SEND Learners are getting involved in radio Want to get involved?

Contact CHBN at hello@chbnradio.org or visit www.chbnradio.org.

To join the Cornwall MIND radio and podcast group visit www.cornwallmind. org where you can find referral forms to fill out and express interest.

For Lili, a young learner from Learn Your Way, speaking on the radio wasn’t just a new experience — it was the start of something exciting.

With support from Cornwall MIND’s radio and wellbeing group, A Space to Speak Your Mind, along with CHBN, Cornwall’s hospital and community radio station and Source FM in Falmouth, Lili has taken part in a radio project that’s helping her build confidence, learn new skills and have her voice heard.

Lili’s project included writing her own script, sharing her interests, and recording her own segment to be broadcast. “I was nervous at first,” she says, “but then it felt really good — like I had something important to say.”

Some of the amazing skills Lili has gained include learning to understand sound levels, position mics, record interviews and how to edit them into segments for shows.

CHBN Radio, based in Truro, accepts volunteers with accessibility needs from all over Cornwall. The station isn’t just about music and news — it’s about community and inclusion.

CHBN’s team has worked closely with organisations like Cornwall MIND to offer accessible and flexible support.

Learners can get involved in script writing, presenting, recording and even helping behind the scenes — all tailored to their strengths and interests.

For Lili, the experience has been empowering. “It’s helped me feel more confident. I like being able to talk about the things I care about.”

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THE YOUTH ENGAGEMENT PROJECT (YEP) The Youth Engagement Project, Yep! is a project that provides help and support for young people aged 16-24.

YEP helps 16-18-year-olds who aren’t working, in school, or training to plan their futures. It also supports those who might soon be in this situation.

Cornwall Council have recently joined with the former project lead Careers South West (CSW group) to deliver an exciting new phase of the Yep! Project.

We work with communitybased partners who help young people to build confidence, resilience, and skills.

Team lead Jane Cornelius said: “We are delighted with the news that we will be able to continue the amazing and essential work preventing young people in Cornwall from becoming NEET (not in employment, education or training). We hope we will continue to have a big impact on this otherwise overlooked group of young people who just need a helping hand on the journey into employment.”

The Yep! partners offer tailored support for young people, with a focus on those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH).

Cornwall Council are currently working to deliver this amazing project with the following partners.

Carefree Key Workers provide one-toone support and guidance to young people who have experienced the care system

and who are not, or at risk of not being, in education, employment or training.

Plymouth Argyle Community Trust The Trust offer opportunities for work experience, guest speakers, and mock interviews. Plus a Level 2 Sports Leadership programme.

Pentreath Pentreath help young people to reach their potential and overcome any mental health and emotional wellbeing challenges that they may be experiencing.

Pluss Pluss support young people from Saltash to Camborne, who have a learning disability or difficulty to move forward into employment, education, or training.

Real Ideas Real Ideas help to enable individuals to explore industry opportunities and career and skills development as well as accessing progression opportunities.

If you know a young person aged 18 to 20 who is at risk of being NEET or who is currently not in employment, education or training and you would like to get help, click on the link below to get guidance and advice. https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/schools-and-education/ supporting-young-people-into-education-employmentand-training/advice-and-guidance-enquiries-form SUMMER 2025 | ISSUE NO 03

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KICKING GOALS: How Roan Found His Dream Job with the Football Fun Factory

When you think about a dream job, what comes to mind? For Roan Barlow, it’s putting on his boots, grabbing a whistle, and heading out to the pitch to help kids fall in love with football — just like he did.

Roan is now an Assistant Coach with the Football Fun Factory in Cornwall, but his journey into paid employment began with a little help from Work Your Way, the education and work experience programme that supports young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). His story is one of passion, perseverance, and the power of inclusive opportunities.

Born with club feet, Roan’s love for football started early — even before most people thought he’d be able to play. “All I wanted to do was pick up a football,” he says. By the age of six, he was kicking a ball around the house (and breaking things along the way), and soon joined Newquay Youth, his local team. His dedication never wavered, and he later became mascot for the Newquay men’s team — walking them out at every game.

Fast forward to today, and Roan is leading football sessions himself — a transition that began when his mum, a teaching assistant, noticed what Jack Stevenson was doing in local schools with the Football Fun Factory. Jack, a former teacher, set up the programme in Cornwall to bring fun, inclusive football to children from 18 months to 12 years old, running sessions in schools, community venues, and even birthday parties.

“Roan’s mum asked if there were any voluntary positions, and the next thing I knew, Roan messaged me on Instagram to introduce himself,” Jack explains.

“I met him again when I gave a talk at Work Your Way, and from there, things really took off.”

Roan began volunteering one day a week — quickly growing to four — helping run lunchtime sessions and coaching children from Key Stage 1 up to Year 6. His dedication and skill led to paid work on Tuesday afternoons and Friday sessions, where he now helps organise matches, referee, coach, and even lead activities himself.

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“I love working with kids,” says Roan. “I help organise the teams, set up the games, and give tips here and there. It’s great to be out there doing something I love.”

The Football Fun Factory’s inclusive ethos and Jack’s background in special educational needs teaching make it a great fit for children of all abilities. The team regularly adapts sessions for children with additional needs, and even offers girls-only sessions based on feedback from young players who wanted a more comfortable environment.

“We’ve had parents reach out asking if their child with additional needs can attend,” says Jack. “We do everything we can to make it work — sometimes with one-to-one support from our team or someone the child already knows.”

This summer, Roan will be working at the Football Fun Factory’s holiday camps at Newquay Sports Centre and Truro High School for Girls, delivering fun-filled, Ofstedregistered football activities from 9 to 3:30 every day. As he prepares to leave Work Your Way after three years, Roan is full of optimism for the future.

“The plan is to keep working with Jack and get involved in even more schools,” he says.

For Jack, it’s just the beginning. “We’ve got big plans to expand across Cornwall — there’s so much more to do.”

Roan’s story is a fantastic example of what’s possible when young people with SEND are given the right support, encouragement and opportunities. Thanks to Work Your Way, a great mentor, and a whole lot of heart, Roan has gone from mascot to coach — and he’s just getting started.

To find out more about Work Your Way, visit www.learnyourway.org.uk/work-your-way.

For summer camps or inclusive sessions with the Football Fun Factory, you can contact Jack at jackstevenson@thefootballfunfactory.co.uk or find them on social media: www.instagram.com/jack_football_fun_factory SUMMER 2025 | ISSUE NO 03

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STORYTELLING MAGIC AT NANCEALVERNE SCHOOL WITH THE MINACK THEATRE

Students at Nancealverne School, Penzance recently enjoyed a special one-hour storytelling session led

by John Brolly from the Minack Theatre.

John, a professional storyteller and educator, brought his energy and enthusiasm directly into the school, creating an engaging experience for all students. The session encouraged participation through voice, movement, and imagination, tailored to support a range of needs.

“It was so joyful and fun,” said John Brolly. “We had great interactive conversations.”

The students clearly agreed. “The thing I like about John’s storytelling is the piglet story,” said student Sky. “I found it funny, along with others.”

Student Charlie added, “I really enjoyed John telling us stories — he made me laugh. I asked John some questions which he answered really well, and he was the best person to have around.”

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Staff described the session as inspiring and joyful, noting how students responded with curiosity, laughter, and confidence. “It was a fantastic opportunity for our young people to be part of a live storytelling experience,” said one teacher. “John made every student feel included, with some even joining in with their own storytelling.”

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For many students, it was a unique chance to explore creative expression in a fun and supportive environment — a memorable moment that brought stories to life in their own classroom.

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CHARLIE’S CHEF DREAMS COME TO LIFE AT POPPIES CAFÉ Poppies Café in Penzance is a very special place. It’s warm, friendly — and full of opportunities. It’s also where Charlie, a student from Nancealverne School, is working hard to follow his dream of becoming a chef.

Charlie is doing work experience at the café, where he’s learning all about food hygiene, helping in the kitchen, and gaining real skills in catering. He loves cooking and says, “I enjoy making food for people — it’s what I want to do for a job.”

Poppies Café is run by PRC (Penwith Resource Centre) Outreach CIC, a local organisation that supports people with learning disabilities and additional needs. The café is fully inclusive and very accessible — one of the most accessible cafés in Cornwall, according to Access Cornwall.

The space is easy to get around with a wheelchair, and there’s a Changing Places toilet for people who need more support.

There’s also a quiet sensory room for anyone who feels overwhelmed, and the staff are kind and welcoming.

What makes Poppies extra special is how they support young people with SEND. The team gives people like Charlie a real chance to learn and grow in a safe, supportive environment.

They help build skills and confidence — and they do it with lots of encouragement (and cake!).

Charlie’s time at Poppies is helping him move closer to his goal of becoming a chef. And for everyone who visits, it’s clear this café is cooking up much more than just good food — it’s creating brighter futures, one learner at a time.

Find out more about Poppies including opening times at: www.prcoutreach.com/poppies

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MAKING WAVES: SAILABILITY AT TREVASSACK LAKE Interview by Holly Martin.

Holly is a volunteer at Access Cornwall and a student at Truro College. Holly suffered

Tucked away on Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsula, Trevassack Lake is not only a beautiful lake surrounded by wildlife and tranquillity—it’s also a hub for inclusive adventure. Through the Children ’s Sailing Trust (CST), sailability sessions at the lake open up the world of watersports to young people of all abilities. After one of Holly’s sailing sessions she sat down with Rebekah, one of the Trust’s enthusiastic sailing instructors, to learn about her journey, the impact of sailability, and what it means to bring sailing to everyone.

a traumatic brain injury when she was 15 and still has challenges with her speech and mobility.

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Q1: When did you start sailing?

Rebekah: I started sailing when I was 8 years old with the Children’s Sailing Trust, actually! I was part of the schools programme they run, and I absolutely loved it. My family are sailors too, so it felt very natural to get involved. As a teenager, I began volunteering with the Trust, and from there I trained to become an instructor. It’s been part of my life for as long as I can remember.

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Q2: What inspired you to become a sailing instructor?

Rebekah: Growing up around boats, it always felt like a natural step. But what really pushed me to become an instructor was seeing how much the kids were getting out of it. There was this one instructor, Sammy—she was the only young woman instructor at the time—and she really stood out to me. She showed me that this was something I could do too. I thought she was really cool and she was a huge inspiration to me.

Q3: What was your most memorable sailing experience?

Rebekah: One of my most memorable moments was when my grandparents took

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me yacht racing as a kid. We had an easterly wind that day, so the sea was really choppy. I was a little bit scared, but I remember loving the excitement of it all. That feeling of the boat crashing through waves and still being in control—that’s something I’ll never forget.

Q4: How helpful are the volunteers in sailability sessions?

Rebekah: The volunteers are amazing! They make such a difference, especially when we have large groups. Whether it’s hopping in a boat, helping with launching, or just keeping an extra eye out, they help us keep everything running smoothly and safely. And most importantly, they help keep the kids engaged and having fun.

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For me, it’s about getting people on the water —regardless of their ability— and seeing their confidence grow.

Q5: What essential skills are needed to be a sailor?

Q7: What’s the most rewarding part of being a sailing instructor?

Rebekah: One of the most important skills is understanding the weather. You need to be able to read changing conditions and respond to them. That knowledge helps to keep everyone safe out on the water. Its not so bad on the lake but it is really important on the river or out at sea.

Rebekah: For me, it’s about getting people on the water—regardless of their ability— and seeing their confidence grow. So many children wouldn’t get the chance to sail without the Trust. By the fifth or sixth session, they’re all out there laughing, splashing, and really mastering the basics. It’s incredible to witness.

And even quieter days like today, taking you out, Holly—it’s so rewarding to know I’ve helped you have a memorable, joyful experience doing something you love.

Q6: What’s the most common mistake sailors make?

Rebekah: Oh, definitely when we ask them to tack, and they pull the tiller the wrong way.

Next thing you know, they’re spinning in circles wondering what just happened!

Sailing for All Thanks to dedicated instructors like Rebekah and the inclusive ethos at Trevassack Lake, the Children’s Sailing Trust is making sailing accessible to everyone. Whether it’s a child trying something new or a young person discovering confidence on the water, sailability is more than a programme —it’s a movement.

To learn more or book a session, visit childrenssailingtrust.org.uk.

SUPPORTED INTERNSHIPS

What is a supported internship?

Essentially a supported internship sits somewhere between a work experience placement and an apprenticeship for young people 16+ and under 25 who have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

A supported internship is a structured, work-based learning program designed for individuals, often young people with an additional need or disability of some sort who may require extra assistance to gain employment but who are very capable with this initial support in the workplace.

These internships provide hands-on work experience, workplace training, and personalised support, often including a job coach or mentor who can accompany the intern to their place of employment if needed, helping the same way a teaching assistant would in a school.

The needs of the interns vary massively. Some lean heavily on the job coach and college support whereas others are more independent, barely needing it.

The goal is to develop skills, confidence, and independence to transition into some form of paid employment.

Interns are enrolled through an education provider and usually start in term time (September) and can run for up to a year. Some only last a couple of months before the intern is ready for paid employment either in the business or elsewhere.

What Do Supported Interns Say? “My manager was very kind and understanding about my disability”. – Ethan, The Headland Hotel “I’ve had skills training in food hygiene and also in talking to customers. The team here are really helpful and the job is fun.” Glynn, NT Cotehele “I’m doing a variety of jobs from strimming to painting, and covering cupboard doors with vinyl. I’ve been given a uniform which is really great, so I feel like part of the team and it makes this place feel like home. If I’m ever struggling with anything, Simon and the rest of the team are always happy to help.” Jordan, Gwel an Mor 24

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See our case study videos here: https://www.cornwall-opportunities.co.uk/post-16-send/send-showcase/

Cornwall Council are currently able to facilitate two main routes of approaching supported internships.

1.

PROJECT SEARCH

This is a great structured program offered by some of Cornwall’s larger organisations such as Cornwall Council or the NHS. Project Search sets up placements with employers allowing for cohorts of up to ten to rotate around a variety of departments giving them a taste of the working world and allows the intern to discover new skills and interests. It also allows the employer to understand the individual and hopefully carve out a suitable role within the organisation after the internship.

2. AD HOC PLACEMENTS Ad hoc placements are where one role is offered usually in a smaller business.

As most of our employers in Cornwall are Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) they can only take 1 or 2 interns at a time. This works well with Yep! when a young person expresses an interest in a particular kind of job. We can then help that person to find a suitable employer and set up a placement with an education provider.

Project Search assessment days We have a limited number of spaces available for placements with Gwel an Mor, Cornwall Council and the NHS all starting in September. Dates for our assessment days will be released soon. These will be an informal day to learn more about the opportunity and employer as well as show off your skills in a number of assessments demonstrating your suitability for an internship.

There will be a number of roles available from admin positions to facilities and maintenance to animal care.

For more information on supported internships in Cornwall, please visit the Supported Internships page at cornwall-opportunities.co.uk or contact EBP at EBP@cornwall.gov.uk SUMMER 2025 | ISSUE NO 03

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WANT TO BECOME AN ACCESS CORNWALL REVIEWER?

Here at Access Cornwall CIC we have a range of work experience and volunteer opportunities.

All of our staff and volunteers live with disabilities, long term health conditions or neurodivergence, or care for those who do. It’s your knowledge and insight that we value, as it can help organisations all around Cornwall, to learn how to better support people with accessibility needs!

Here are a few of the roles and activities you can get involved in:

Accessibility Reviewer This is a great role that involves going around fun places in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to assess how they might improve their accessibility.

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We will teach you how to do an accessibility review You can then join our auditors on trips to attractions, gardens, theatres and cafes and other lovely places and help them with their work.

OPEN DOORS MAGAZINE

Photography We find having photos of places can really help people to plan a trip if they have accessibility needs. We run workshops and sessions to teach you how to take photos that we can use on our website and in our guides and magazines.

Beach Cleans If you care about the environment and like a day at the seaside, we run accessible beach cleans and reward everyone with a beach picnic afterwards. Let us know if you would like to come along on one!

Website editor Once we have all our photos and information, we need to make sure it gets added to our website. We can teach you some website editing skills so you can learn how to keep making our website as helpful and professional as possible.

Fundraisers We sometimes have events run by ourselves and volunteers such as auctions, colour runs / trails and other activities. If you would like to get involved in this, every penny goes back to supporting people who live with disabilities, health conditions, neurodivergence and their families, so please get in touch.

Join us!

Find out more about doing work experience or becoming a volunteer with Access Cornwall.

Email us at hello@accesscornwall.org.uk and tell us a bit about yourself, or your school if you are a teacher, and what sort of jobs and activities you would like to get involved with.

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JOIN THE DIVERSITY TO THRIVE NETWORK TODAY If you would like to find out more about offering valuable work opportunities and experience to SEND students in Cornwall, join the Diversity to Thrive network today.

You can email ebp@cornwall.gov.uk or click on this link to sign up to the Diversity to Thrive newsletter.

Thanks to Perran Tremewan of Cornwall Rural Community Charity for photographs of the Newquay Orchard Community to Thrive event.

www.cornwall-opportunities.co.uk