HOOK's first Further Education college has opened its brand new premises this week.

Young people at Inclusion College moved to their new look premises as part of an expansion of the post-16 provision by specialist education provider Inclusion Hampshire.

The organisation's Inclusion College site has moved to to a larger site at Osborne Way, Hook.

Although it has been providing services for post-16 learners at a smaller site in Hook, they are now able to expand to the larger premises. The move means that the charity will be able to support even more young people as well as offering a wider range of activities to existing learners. #

As well as new class spaces, the expansion offers cooking and kitchen facilities, dedicated therapeutic music room and counselling and quiet space.

Head of Inclusion College Marie Greenhalgh said: "This is such a wonderful opportunity for us to be able to offer our bespoke programme of learning to more young people in the area, with mental health and wellbeing support at the heart of our curriculum.

"We are so excited to be moving to the new site, and learners have responded so positively – we are looking forward to settling in and seeing what opportunities the new premises can help us bring."

The move took place over the Easter break, with learners starting the Summer term at the new look building.

The centre was awarded with their official Department for Education number last year - meaning that they are the first further education college to be based in Hook.

Marie continued: "This is such an exciting time for us. The move presents us with so many more opportunities to support our current and prospective learners.

"There has always been a need for the kind of specialist education we provide, which supports mental health and wellbeing alongside the more traditional academic and functional skills.

"However, with the impact of covid and the subsequent lockdowns, we are only just starting to see the long term effects on young people’s mental health - particularly around anxiety, grief, confidence levels and an exacerbation of existing mental health conditions that the stress of isolation and worry of living through a pandemic have increased. We hope by expanding our service we may be able to support even more young people as they make that sometimes challenging transition to further education."

The college has been overwhelmed by the support already received from the community and are incredibly grateful for the offers of help and contributions.

Although opening for learners this week, the college site will be holding an official launch in July for supporters and members of the community, subject to any covid restrictions and measures.

To learn more about the work of Inclusion College, get involved or request a prospectus then visit www.inclusionhampshire.org.uk