LTM’s Flying Stars receives an award

The ‘Flying Stars’ project, is designed for young people aged 16+ with special needs who require assistance and support to gain independence skills and to integrate with confidence into the wider community and employment. The programme began in October 2009 and in such a short period has seen significant developments in the learners. At present there are nine people accessing the support. The project provides customised one-to-one support developing and enhancing individual independent living skills. The project’s unique approach to learning assists young people with special and complex needs, all with different learning/physical disabilities. With the aid of qualified mentors and support staff, the project helps the young people discover their abilities and strengths, helping them break down personal barriers thus allowing them to play their part in social and civic life. The project has been working alongside the local authority, the education sector and the local community.

Out of 300 nominations the ‘Flying Stars’ project was recognised for demonstrating excellent outcomes through mentoring and befriending to those who are vulnerable and socially isolated.

Cllr Tahir Khan, Executive Member with responsibility for children’s services said: “Luton Training & Mentoring prevents young people with additional needs from only having residential colleges as an option, and providing extra learning opportunities local colleges and day centres are unable to offer. Congratulations to the team of mentors and support staff for achieving this well deserved award".

Anjana Parmar, LTM said: Our Flying Stars project provides customised one-to-one support developing and enhancing individual independent living skills. With the aid of qualified mentors and support staff, the project helps young people with special and complex needs to discover their abilities and strengths, helping them break down personal barriers thus allowing them to play their part in social and civic life.

Anjana added: “Although the Flying Stars programme is designed to educate the young people in honesty, they are doing a fantastic job in educating all my talented staff members and me. It really is a ‘two way’ project; we are constantly learning from each other and plugging the gap in this area of support”.