Learners to open pop-up shop in Hereford
Young people with complex disabilities and learning difficulties are getting ready to open a pop-up shop in the Old Market shopping development in Hereford.
When the management team at the leisure and shopping development off Newmarket Street offered National Star at Hereford the opportunity to use the facilities free of charge, we jumped at the chance.
From 12 to 18 February National Star learners will take turns to work in the shop, giving them the opportunity to put their numeracy and communication skills into action.
They have also been busy making a range of goods to sell, including upcycled furniture, handmade felt brooches, willow and wool wall hangings and clay hearts that are perfect for Valentine’s gifts.
There will also be cards and artwork made by National Star’s social enterprise company StarPrint, which is based at our campus in Gloucestershire.
National Star at Hereford was launched three years ago and is based in Harrow Road. It provides specialist further education for 13 young people, including work experience and relevant therapies such as physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy.
‘When the Old Market kindly offered us free space for a pop-up shop we jumped at the chance,’ said John Mann, Head of National Star Wales and West.
‘It’s an opportunity for Hereford to meet the students and get to know about the work National Star is doing in the area. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for the students to put their skills into practice in a real environment.’
The shop will be open from 9.30am to 3pm on 12 February to 18 February.
National Star also runs supported internships in Hereford. Our Steps into Work internships at Wessington Court Farm, Woolhope, support people aged 16 to 25 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan into sustained work.
Each intern has a personalised programme and is supported by a tutor, job coach and host employer to help them achieve their aspirations.
