Sutton Life Centre relaunches as hub for young people with SEND

Today, Tuesday 25 November, marks a significant milestone for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Sutton, as a new Preparation for Adulthood Hub, College and cafe officially open their doors at the Sutton Life Centre. 

The new Preparation for Adulthood Hub will provide young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) the opportunity to learn how to be more independent. They will get new skills and confidence to help them with jobs, living on their own, and being involved in their community. Support will also be available for parents and carers. All activities can be viewed and booked through the Council’s events page.

In addition to the new Hub, Orchard Hill College, an Ofsted-rated 'Outstanding' college has opened a new campus at the Life Centre, offering 72 places for young people with SEND. The College will focus on equipping students with essential skills, qualifications, and work experience to prepare them for future employment. 

The Sutton Life Centre continues to offer the community library and sports facilities, now complemented by a brand new cafe. Following the success of the popular Beans and Bloom cafe at the Whitehall historic house in Cheam, the Council appointed Nickel Support to open a second location. The five-star hygiene rated Beans and Bloom provides a welcoming space for the whole community and offers training and work experience opportunities for people with SEND who attend Nickel Support. Nickel 'trainees' work alongside an experienced barista to serve a range of fresh coffees and delicious food.

These changes are part of the Council’s commitment to make Sutton an inclusive place for everyone and are part of the Council’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and Alternative Provision Strategy 24-27. 

Councillor Marian James, Lead member for Adults and Children said; “It is wonderful to see the Sutton Life Centre transformed into a vibrant and lively community space. It is as a result of strong partnership working and truly listening to our young people with SEND and their families that this unique offer has come to life. I look forward to seeing the Hub, the College and the new cafe develop and provide support and opportunities for young people with SEND in Sutton, helping them to become independent and live fulfilling lives.”

Kelly Phillips, Executive Principal from Orchard Hill College said; “Sutton Life Centre is a place with people in the community at its heart, it’s a place where lives will be transformed, and futures will be built. When community partnerships come together to create something truly unique, it’s a milestone to celebrate, and Sutton Life Centre is a pioneering development. This collaboration has delivered an innovative space for our students and the local community that reflects shared vision, expertise, and commitment - setting a new standard for post-16 SEND provision and what is possible when we work as one.”

Kayleigh, a young person with SEND in Sutton said; “I am so excited for the future with this new Hub. I am going to be part of a group of young people setting up activities to do here such as table tennis, football, managing money, travel training. I am going to volunteer at Rhymetime. I will do some reading here. I look forward to having hot chocolates here with my friends and coming to the disco.”

All activities at the Preparation for Adulthood Hub can be viewed and booked through the Council’s events page, filtering by Preparation for Adulthood Hub.