Percy Hedley Foundation

Great news for disabled students

A new college has opened its doors to disabled students from across the region. The Northern Counties College in Jesmond will offer students the chance to develop their independence, learn new skills and have new experiences.

The Northern Counties College in Jesmond was opened on 31 January 2006 by Chris Roberts, Regional Director of the Learning and Skills Council who said “The LSC is delighted to be associated with the development of the Northern Counties College”. “It is truly amazing and I am sure that this facility will be an excellent resource for disabled learners throughout the region”, he added.

Facilities at the new college include a café and social area, performing arts studio, sports academy, art and design workshop, catering and restaurant area and printing facilities. A specialist team of tutors, therapists and learning support workers ensure that the students have all the help they need to reap the full benefits of college life.

David Barker MBE, Acting Principal at the college, said at the launch “Our aim is a simple one. We want our students to have a better life. That means giving them the skills they need to develop more opportunities for themselves. The facilities we have here are fantastic and the site has been used to help disabled people learn new skills since 1838, we are proud to carry on that tradition”.

Anyone interested in the college should contact David Barker on 0191 2665491 or mobile 07736 082953.

The new Northern Counties College and Northern Counties School are part of The Percy Hedley Foundation. The Percy Hedley Foundation provides education, care and support services for over 200 children with cerebral palsy, sensory and communication difficulties and their families at any one time as well as residential accommodation and day care services for adults with disabilities. Our aim is to ensure that people with complex disabilities learn the skills to be as independent as possible and enjoy full and active lives. The Foundation started as a school in 1953, the inspiration of a dedicated group of parents and professionals who saw the need for a first class service for children with cerebral palsy in the region.

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