We have built strong links with local supported living establishment Hilltop House based in Bury St Edmunds, with a number of students having been granted permanent roles after impressing the team.
Hilltop House provide care and support for adults ages 18 and over with a range of physical disabilities and is part of the Sanctuary Housing Group. The team made the decision to trial student placements with the college three years ago and ‘have never looked back.’
Liz, a tenant at Hilltop House said: “They were all so helpful. It was good to work with them. I got on well with them all and enjoyed talking with them all. It was good to have them here and chat to them about their experiences”
Emma Warren, Area Service Manager for Sanctuary Supported Living said: “We have developed a fantastic relationship with the college and it has been great to see the students thrive in this environment. The tenants respond so well to the students and they enjoy having new people to communicate with.”
Joan Llewellyn, Work Placement Officer said: “I have found Hilltop House to be an outstanding partner to us. The team have supported and nurtured our students and it’s been brilliant to see this result in some permanent positions for some of them.”
Erin Gibson from Bury St Edmunds was granted a work placement at Hilltop House and is now a permanent member of staff working as a Support Worker. Erin said: “I have absolutely loved my time there from my placement to now being a member of the team. It has given me the appetite to pursue a career within the care sector and I will be starting my degree in Social Work from September!”
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) report has recently been published for Hilltop House with them being granted ‘outstanding’ status. The report referenced the relationship with the college stating ‘The service worked well with the local college to support students entering the care sector.’