With several years’ experience of offering Distance Learning courses, the Eastchurch POA Learning Centre on the Isle of Sheppey were approached by a group of ladies who were interested in the Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills course.

The one difference to the normal activities for these courses was that they requested that the course be completed with the support of POA Learning in a group environment, so Bev Nolker, Learner Support set to work on organising this request to ensure that the learners requirements were met. 

A local community hall was secured to house the groups weekly Monday morning sessions, kindly supplied by Sheppey Matters, a registered charity working for better health on the Isle of Sheppey. The workbooks supplied with the course were used as a tool to open dialogue about the relevant topics required for the certificate and help learners take notes and complete the assessments at home.

As part of the Counselling Certificate, a practical assessment is required, and this was made possible as individuals, the group were able to demonstrate the skills gained by practising with their peers in a safe environment.

For some, this was the hardest part, but the determination and tenacity paid off as all passed with flying colours!

One group member, Nicola Waghorne said after being presented with her certificate:

I found the course really interesting and have been able to put some of the strategies learned into practice already. I enjoyed learning as a group and it was interesting to hear other points of view in a relaxed and welcoming environment.”

POA Learning’s Bev Nolker said:

This was a new way of facilitating learning in our community.  The feedback supplied by the college was excellent and provided motivation and encouragement for everyone involved.  The group are already looking at the next course they can do and POA Learning will be there to support them every step of the way.”