Introduction:

The CSV Rowan Project was established in 1995 to provide education, training and leisure opportunities to people with enduring mental health problems.

We believe that everyone has the potential to make positive contributions to society regardless of their age, race, culture or disability. In an atmosphere of care and support, we work with all of our students, encouraging them to participate in their own education plans.

All of the education and leisure programmes we offer can be tailored to meet individual needs and abilities. In a friendly environment, we work with students to allow them to set their own goals. These goals are reviewed on a regular basis and are modified as often as necessary.

We can cater for small groups of students, but we also offer one-to-one sessions when appropriate. We have modern equipment with a range of adaptations in our training suite, and we encourage students to use these facilities where possible because it allows them to build up social interaction with other students. Where necessary, we can take portable training facilities to alternative venues.

Flexibility and our student-centred approach to learning is the key ingredient to our successful service.
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Aims:

• Provide education as a therapeutic activity
• Help students to develop confidence and self esteem
• Provide support to students during periods in which they are in transition between care settings
• Help students to make worthwhile use of free time
• Help students to develop structure to their day
• Enable students, where appropriate, to gain nationally recognised qualifications
• Raise student awareness of further education and training opportunities
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Eligibility Criteria:

The services are available to:

• People suffering from severe and enduring mental health problems and
• Involved with specialist/psychiatric services and are
• Resident in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland
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Centre Information:

The project is open to students between 9.30 am and 4.30 pm from Tuesday to Friday.

We have a fully equipped training room with a computer suite (including internet access) and a fully qualified education and training officer. If you are unable to come to the centre arrangements can be made to deliver out-reach training.
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What we offer:

• A step-by-step approach to achieve individuals goals
• Learning that takes place in a friendly and relaxed environment
• A choice of educational courses to meet individual needs
• Support with Literacy and Numeracy
• Regular reviews to monitor progress
• Advice and guidance to help students move into mainstream further education, training or employment
• Help with travel costs to and from the project
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Leisure Activities we offer:

• Craft skills:- cards and gifts, basic needle craft, glass painting
• Writing for fun
• Health and Beauty
• Confidence Building
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Courses we offer:

• Sign Language Awareness
• Basic Numerical Skills
• Basic Literacy Skills
• Key Skills
• Initial Award in Life Skills
• Health Promotion
• Basic Food Hygiene Awareness
• Psychology Awareness
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Enquiries, Referral Procedures and Enrolment:

Students may be referred by telephone or in writing to the Education and Training Officer at the Rowan Project by a Key Worker or other health professional. A referral form is then sent out and should be completed by the Key Worker.

Once referral forms have been received an initial assessment is made and an appointment is arranged for a preliminary interview. Our objective is to encourage students to become actively involved in planning their own course of study, whether they choose leisure or educational options. Students involved in educational options will be assisted to master study techniques such as investigative learning, research and evaluation methods and to develop key skills in literacy, numeracy and information technology.

If the student wishes to work towards a subject not usually offered, we make every effort to find learning packages to meet individual needs and we will provide suitably qualified and experienced tutorial support.
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Progression:

Pre-exit support and training is given to students to help them with their progression into other training opportunities.
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