New Start Highland is working in partnership this spring with the Care and Learning Alliance (CALA) to launch a series of free work experience sessions, which come with added onsite play and support for children.
From 27 April, every Monday from 9.30am – 2.30pm, parents can learn skills like woodwork, cooking and preparation for the world of work, knowing their children are being nurtured and looked after in the same building. All sessions, which are free of charge, will take place at New Start Highland’s Training and Reuse Village on Carsegate Road, in Inverness.
Recruitment and placement officer, Nicola Maclennan, said, “These sessions provide a perfect opportunity for parents who might want to have a go at learning something new or want to level up their skills to be ready for employment but have not had a chance due to the responsibility of looking after young children. We are so proud to offer this opportunity in partnership with CALA and really hope that parents and carers across the Highlands get involved.”
Jaci Douglas, CALA’s Chief Executive, added, “We’re delighted to be working in collaboration with New Start Highland on this innovative project that is supporting parents to access training and skills while their children are close by. The children benefit from activities in a calm, play-based environment, led by CALA’s trained play team. Parents remain onsite accessing their own skills support with planned shared meals, stories, songs and opportunities to seek support and advice with everything from potty training to weaning and sleep. This model allows parents or carers to access training and learning opportunities while staying close by, offering reassurance and flexibility that benefits them and their child.”
New Start Highland has had a record year over the past 12 months, having opened its first Café, Training Kitchen, Reuse and Training Village, and marking its 7th retail outlet opening in the space of a year. Throughout that time, it has served the local community over 164,000 times. It works in partnership with a range of organisations from all sectors and welcomes suggestions from anyone about how they can work together to benefit people across the Highlands.
To find out more about the New Start Highland and CALA life skill sessions with children’s play and nurture, please email nicolamaclennan@newstarthighland.org or c.shearer@calachildcare.co.uk.