Specialist college in Shropshire keeps vital services running throughout pandemic

By adapting to ever-changing guidance and overcoming new challenges, support workers at Condover College have been able to keep its Day Opportunities Centre open since the Covid crisis began – the only day centre to have not closed for a time in Shropshire.

The not-for-profit college runs three-year courses for those aged 18 to 25 with learning difficulties at its site in Grafton, as well as its day centre in Harlescott and 12 residential homes and respite centres.

All care staff and those who work face-to-face with learners are tested for Covid three times a week, and strict coronavirus measures have been implemented to keep everyone safe.

These include numerous sanitising stations and cleaning teams that wipe surfaces down as soon as they are used.

Everyone that enters the college's various buildings must wash their hands and members of staff wear face coverings at all times.

The college's management team have also made use of learner hubs, which place people into bubbles depending on their activity preferences.

Katy Russell, programme manager at the Day Opportunities Centre, said it was a vital service that had been relied on by families throughout the pandemic.

"The learners need to keep their minds stimulated for their own mental health and wellbeing, so we have adapted our programme to make it Covid-secure," she said.

"We have also made a huge effort to make our sessions visually more colourful, inviting and engaging.

"The learners continue to receive physio three times a week here, which is so important for them.

"Staying open throughout the last year really has helped our learners and their families."

Katy added that learners who have remained at home have been keeping in contact and joining in with sessions virtually.

All learners also have access to a speech and language therapist, as well as a daily diary to recap their achievements with family and friends.