Cygnet Cedars, a 23-bed care service for men with learning disabilities and mental health needs, recently honoured seven service users who achieved an AQA accreditation.
The AQA Unit Award Scheme provides individuals with the chance to develop new skills and gain formal recognition for their achievements in a structured and supportive setting.
The programme is designed to empower individuals supported at the Cygnet Health Care service, boost their confidence, and equip them with valuable knowledge for their futures.
Raluca Paduraru, Support Worker at Cygnet Cedars, reflected on the individuals’ success: “It was a fantastic day celebrating our service users’ achievements, recognising all the hard work, learning and progress they have made throughout the year.
“Every certificate represents a personal achievement, and we couldn’t be prouder of our graduates!”
Kristain, an individual supported at the West Midlands-based service for the past five years, is one of the keen participants in the AQA Unit Award Scheme. He completed a variety of modules, including Basic Food Hygiene, Poetry, Healthy Lifestyles, and Smoking, Drugs and Alcohol Awareness.
“I am happy and proud of myself. I did something meaningful with my time and loved engaging with others who did the same course,” explained Kristain.
“I learned new subjects, especially with the healthy lifestyle session as I have Crohn’s disease and it made it easier for me to understand what food I can eat and what I should avoid. It was really useful and it gave me a better understanding of how I can look after myself.”
Looking to the future, Kristain shared his aspirations: “I would like to complete a First Aid course next. Currently, I am a Resus Champion and I support when Resuscitation drills are conducted on the unit and I get to give feedback. I would like to build on this experience and develop my knowledge and skills further.”
The Cygnet Health Care service recently hosted an uplifting graduation ceremony to honour the achievements of the seven service users, who received a certificate to symbolise their commitment to growth and learning.
The celebrations didn’t stop there with staff and service users going head-to-head in a quiz before taking to the microphone for a karaoke session. To round off the celebrations, everyone swapped their microphones for paintbrushes and got creative with an arts session.
Raluca added: “The day was a wonderful reminder that achievements come in all shapes and sizes. Whether learning something new, answering a tricky quiz question, singing a favourite song or creating a masterpiece, every moment is an opportunity to learn, grow and shine!
“A huge well done to all our graduates and a big thank you to everyone who helped make the day such a success!”
