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

During 2011 we have completely renovated the first floor at Hillcrest Vernon.
Working together we have developed the upstairs into a flat for four people who would prefer to live more independently.  The flat has its own kitchen, laundry and lounge.

“We now have a kitchen just for the four of us, which means I can learn new skills and get involved in cooking my own meals, which I think I’ll be pretty good at!” Says Toby a resident at Hillcrest Vernon.

“My new lounge is where I plan to read my books, play with my puzzles and have quiet time. I’m not always too steady on my feet, so the builders have put in a bigger shower tray and a grab rail in the bathroom which makes my life much easier. ” he says.

West London Community College travelled to Gran Canaria in November 2011 to participate in the second International Festival Del Balon Football Tournament.

Teams from England, Spain and Germany competed and West London Community College made it all the way to the semi finals!

They finished fourth overall which was a fantastic achievement.

As well as the tournament, the students enjoyed excursions into the mountains of Gran Canaria and took a boat trip to see dolphins in their natural environment. They also went to a water park and spent time on the beach.

Craig Appleton, Deputy Manager

West London Community College in Gran Canaria

Arun District Council’s Environmental Health team is pioneering a new health and safety regulatory scheme.

The authority has teamed up with Hillcrest to forge a new partnership under a government scheme that makes the Council the single point of contact for all its food hygiene and health & safety needs.

The new partnerships aim to help businesses that operate across two or more council boundaries to comply with legal requirements by providing consistent advice that applies to all their premises, regardless of location.

The Commercial Team of Arun District Council’s Environmental Health Service has been asked by Hillcrest Care Ltd. to enter into a partnership to cover health and safety and food safety regulation across all its sites – a first for Arun.

Councillor Paul Dendle, Arun’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “Being part of this partnership means we will be able to reduce unnecessary burdens on Hillcrest Care by being the single point of contact for their regulatory needs.

“This allows Hillcrest Care to focus on delivering its successful service across England and Wales with high quality advice and support from Arun District Council.”

The agreement sets the two organisations as partners under the new Primary Authority scheme for business, administered by the Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO).

Graham Grey: Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO), Cllr Dendle and Richard Greenwell: Managing Director of Hillcrest attended the signing.

We are pleased to announce that Hillcrest Slinfold has received an Outstanding rating in it’s latest Ofsted Inspection.

”Slinfold has exceptionally high aspirations for all their young people. They are encouraged to be themselves and are supported in taking appropriate risks”
Ofsted Report

” I kept moving from place to place cause I was always in trouble. Its better since I’ve been here, I’ve done quite a lot of stuff.”
Young person for Hillcrest Slinfold

”I am very proud of the fantastic work we do here at Slinfold, we have worked hard to ensure that every child is valued and feels at home”
Principal, Hillcrest Slinfold

Hillcrest Slinfold comprises a school and three children’s homes for boys aged 11- 17 yrs, offering 52-week care and education. It is set in beautiful countryside close to the Sussex/Surrey border.

To arrange a visit or to find out more please call the Principal Mark Birkbeck  01403 790939
To make a referal please call 08458 727477

‘I took my GCSE’s and I am happy with my results. I achieved A grades in Maths, English, Art and an A* in Chinese, after a lot of hard work and determination I got what I wanted in the end. Hillcrest helped by making things stable for me and I’m very grateful.” 

Young person from Hillcrest Sandilands

Staff at Sandilands are very proud of J’s achievements. She has worked hard and has always been committed to her education. We are extremely honoured that J acknowledged us as part of her achievements . We wish her continued success in her future.

Coleen Ashman Home Manager

Hillcrest Steps have taken part in a sponsored bike ride to raise funds for Malawi.

The ride was in order to raise money for children that attend a school in Malawi. The school is called St James primary school and is located in Chilomoni, Blantyre.

We are hoping to have raised enough money so that the school can afford the equipment they need to teach their pupils.

On the 8th October 2011 staff and children at Steps cycled between 14 and 21 miles around a cycle track located around a lake in Pitsford.

It was a huge effort from all who took part!

Sadie Dangerfield, Home Manager

Steps bike riders

Bike banner

This years Sandilands Achievers day was hosted by the Mayor of Croydon.

The event was good fun, everyone took part in a well rehearsed song and dance and then we all enjoyed a tasty buffet.

All our young people have worked really hard and we are very pleased and proud of their achievements.

It was a great opportunity for the staff and the Mayor to congratulate the young people from Sandilands.

Sandilands group