Young people from Hillcrest Hayling left the Island for a day out in the big city!

We arrived at Victoria and headed towards the underground. First stop- Covent Garden. After a mighty climb up the 198 steps we reached the top and out onto the streets. We then took a gentle stroll towards the Square.

Our first encounter of the day were the impressive street performers; a very still golden man, a sliver viking and a man who managed to squeeze himself through a tennis racket then lay on a bed of rusty nails!

Our next stop was Leister Square and lunch in China Town, then onto Buckingham Palace. Unfortunately the Queen wasn’t home and missed the chance for afternoon tea with the children of Hillcrest Hayling!

The sun had started to set on our final stop -Big Ben; it was a pretty sight to see; dusk setting over the River Thames.

As part of the Peers in Schools programme- a government initiative, Baroness Estelle Morris of Yardley recently visited Hillcrest Oaklands College.

The initiative has been running now for over a year and is designed to give young people the opportunity to meet with and talk to people from the House of Lords.

The young people at Oaklands listened to Baroness Morris, who explained the role of the House of Lords,  then had the opportunity to ask questions about the parliamentary process and how it effects them.

The students were keen to learn about proposed changes in the education system, especially the increased school leaving age and how the parliamentary system can affect their lives beyond college.

They also asked questions about being in care and who makes decisions regarding taking children into care and about standards in care homes and in residential education.

Baroness Morris was presented with a bouquet of flowers and was very complimentary about the college and residential provision, as it is so different from the type of schools she normally visits as part of the scheme.

She thanked the staff for the exceptional work they do with the girls and the girls for making her feel so welcome and asking such relevant questions.

The visit will be followed up by the girls visiting parliament during the summer term.

Jo Morris- Principal, Hillcrest Oaklands College

Baroness Morris at Oaklands

The Mayor and Mayoress of Havant came to officially open Hillcrest Beachlands.

It was a perfect day weather wise, with the sun shining through the big bay windows into the newly decorated and furnished lounge.

A young person was on hand at the front door to welcome our special visitors.

The Mayor joined the Home Manager James Barlow, his staff team along with representatives from the local authorities and the neighbours. Guests were shown round the home which has large and airy living and dining areas, decorated with warm colours and modern furnishings.

Each young persons room is individualised to their tastes.

The home also offers an independent flat which provides young people with all the necessary skills to make a successful transition towards living independently.

Hillcrest Beachlands is an ideal placement for young people needing their final years in the care system.

All the guests enjoyed a delicious buffet which included treats baked by the young people. The Mayor gave a speech and wished the young people well in their new home. He was very impressed with the home, the staff and most of all the young people!

James Barlow with the Mayor of Havant

A young person from Hillcrest Oathill Lodge is taking a journalism internship for 1 month in India during the 6 weeks summer holidays.

Formerly known as the Sivakasi Times, the Madurai Messenger was set up in 2002 by Projects Abroad in collaboration with the local business community. This is the first-ever English language magazine produced in the Madurai area. It is sent free to schools and other institutions and is available online.

The Madurai Messenger magazine is run by Volunteers along with local staff that have experience working as journalists throughout the South of India.

The magazine gives volunteers a real opportunity to get involved, whether it be interviewing a local politician or finding out local opinions on the latest Indian cricketing debate.

Talisha will be able to gain an insight into all the different areas of production that a magazine has to go through, from the early planning stages, all the way through to distribution.

We wish Talisha well and look forward to hearing about her experience.

Journalist volunteer from Oathill Lodge