Port of Dover provides grant to help vulnerable young people

A unique learning environment in rural east Kent

Submitted to the Dover Express

An alternative education provider in Eythorne, Kent, has received a helping hand from the Port of Dover.

Woodpecker Court has received £5000 towards their work supporting those who are not yet ready for mainstream post-16 education.

They aim to improve the life chances of young people at the risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) by delivering formal and informal education, as well as access to the great outdoors.

The money will help fund a three-month course, in their unique rural environment, for a group of 16 to 18-year-olds. It will focus on functional skills, together with a level 1 Enterprise course.

Principal Dominic Meehan said:

“We were thrilled to receive funding to support our vital work from the Port of Dover. The pandemic has had serious consequences for all of us, but it has exaggerated the issues faced by many of our vulnerable young people.

“This funding has enabled us to significantly increase our student counselling service, thus enabling many more students to be able to manage their mental health.

“This has meant that young people have been able to access the provision and start to thrive in our environment, where they were at home struggling to leave their rooms. This support has made a real difference to young lives.”

Jenny Beacon, from the Port of Dover, said:

“On a recent visit we saw first-hand the amazing work being delivered by Woodpecker Court.

“The grant from the Community Fund will be used to provide a unique blend of outdoor learning combined with classroom-based delivery, quality careers guidance and high-level pastoral support.

“Since its inception in 2015, the Port of Dover Community Fund has reached a diverse range of local organisations, supporting multiple elements of our local community.”

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