A COLLEGE outreach centre that helps people with learning disabilities prepare for the world of work has officially been opened in Bradford.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Geoff Reid, marked the launch of a new outreach centre for Henshaws Specialist College, which is based at Listerhills Science Park.

The centre is due to open to students in September and will offer courses to young people aged 16 to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities.

The key courses will be either the next steps to employment, with supported internships working with local employers, or preparation for the transition to general further education at a mainstream colleges.

Principal Angela North said: “We are really excited to be able to offer these new courses in Bradford to build on our existing expertise in supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities.”

The launch was marked by a ribbon cutting by Cllr Reid. Guests, including the Bishop of Bradford, the Rt Rev Dr Toby Howarth, Rabbi Eli Pink and representatives from local authorities, schools and colleges, were given a tour of the building and were served refreshments from local British Asian Kitchen MyLahore by Henshaws employability students.

Henshaws was founded 180 years ago and initially focussed on those affected by sight loss but this has expanded to encompass a range of needs. Henshaws Specialist College in Harrogate has been delivering education for nearly 50 years and students at the Bradford Centre, which has been supported by Sovereign Health Care, will also have the option to access therapy and support services in Harrogate.

The college will also offer advice and training to help local businesses feel more confident in hiring disabled adults.

At the college, students will learn skills such as catering and businesses are already in talks to partner with the college and offer placements.

Henshaws was given planning permission to convert two vacant office units in at the park last year.

The group said they chose the site due to its proximity to the city centre, as well as Bradford College and University, despite being secluded enough for its students to feel comfortable.

At full capacity, the college will have between 12 and 16 students and eight members of staff.

Principal Angela North said: “A lot of these young people can’t be left by themselves yet, and so when they leave school it can prove quite a challenge.

“It is helping that young person leave school and learn to live independently and be safe in the community. The courses will help them prepare for studying in bigger settings, or to move or employment settings. They can work with employers, and hopefully over time become more self reliant.

“Some students might do a year here, some just a term, we work with them to get them ready for what they want to do next. We want to get them to the stage where they can go and work and not feel like a burden.

“We work in partnership with employers, because we want them to help these young people fit in their workplace.”

Applications for places at the Bradford Centre are now open and more information is available by ringing 01274 724836.