The first young people in the UK have completed the OPT Award at Langside School in Poole, run by Diverse Abilities.

The award is a new scheme which has been devised for young people with learning disabilities aged 16 and over in their transition into adulthood.

It gives students the opportunity to complete three strands: The Helping Award, The Personal, Social and Emotional Wellbeing Award, and The 48 Hour Challenge.
Students focus on one strand each term with activities such as caring for animals, gardening, hydrotherapy, yoga and more. The challenge element of the award is to take on two days of activities these young people would not normally experience, and an overnight stay away from home.

The three students who completed the award are Angel, Amelia and Alicia, all in Options Class at Langside School.

They have prepared a three-course meal, spent the day at a high ropes course and enjoyed a sensory walk through the gardens and along the beach. The 48-hour challenge involved a sleep-over at the school where the girls enjoyed each other’s company, films and a pampering session.

Lisa Noel, Amelia’s mum commented: “The OPT Award has given Amelia the opportunity to get out into the community visiting places she wouldn’t normally have access to. It’s helped her get ready for change.

“Thank you to everyone who has made award possible; I recommend to any family.”
Recently, we watched the three girls, who are all best friends, collect their certificates from the Governor of the school.

This was a very proud and special moment.

“They had previously obtained their bronze in Duke of Edinburgh, but this award was much more tailored to youngsters with profound and multiple learning disability, like Amelia.”

Find out more about The OPT Award and how your school can get involved at optaward.org.uk.