WARRINGTON South MP Sarah Hall has praised the life-changing work of Willow Green CIO after visiting the charity’s college site to see its supported internship programmes in action and meet young adults making strides towards employment and independence.
The visit highlighted the practical pathways being created for learners with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) through Willow Green’s five-day-a-week programmes, which is funded by Warrington Borough Council and designed to equip 16–25-year-olds with qualifications, life skills, and real-world experience. Sarah also met with participants from the charity’s adult day services, funded via Adult Social Care.
During the visit, Sarah joined learners, staff and employer partners to hear about the impact of supported internships, including the success stories of Dan and Eve, two young people whose confidence and skills have grown dramatically through placements across Warrington.
Dan, now in his final year, has thrived in multiple roles, from coaching with LiveWire, to retail work at Max Spielmann, and extended placements at Gulliver’s World and Cineworld. His enthusiasm, reliability and willingness to learn have made him a valued team member across the different businesses.
Eve, having completed her Pre-Supported Internship, is moving on to the next phase after placements at Wind in the Willows Nursery and Base Hairdressing Academy. Both have transformed her communication and practical skills, with one placement video reaching over 20,000 views on social media, a powerful reminder of what happens when the right support meets the right opportunity.
Employer representatives from Care UK, Timpson Group, Bright Futures, LiveWire and others also attended the event to celebrate learners’ achievements and reinforce their commitment to inclusive employment.
Any local employers interested in offering a future placement or learning opportunity are warmly encouraged to get in touch with Dave Lockett at Willow Green to explore how they can support the next group of enthusiastic learners. info@willowgreencio.co.uk
Following her visit Ms Hall said: “I want every young person in Warrington to know they can succeed, and last week I saw exactly what that looks like in action. Willow Green is delivering valuable education, and they’re building bridges into the world of work, with care, patience and a belief in every learner.
“Dan and Eve’s stories are a powerful reminder that when we invest in people properly, they can achieve fantastic things. It’s clear that the team at Willow Green, together with their incredible employer partners, are doing something truly special here.
“This is what public service is about, giving every person the tools and the chance to thrive. No one should be left behind, not in education, not in employment, not in hope.”
Dave Lockett, Job Coach at Willow Green CIO said: “Our role is to support each learner not just into work, but into the right kind of work, something that builds their confidence and plays to their strengths.
“The change we see over a year is incredible, and that’s down to the real-world experience employers help provide.
“If any employers are curious about what hosting a placement might look like, we’d love to have a chat — it starts with a conversation”.
