Milestones Trust, a regional charity which supports adults with mental health needs and adults with learning disabilities, has successfully secured funding from South Gloucestershire Council’s Learning Disability Development Fund (LDDF) to deliver a pilot Art Facilitator Pathway course. 

The Trust will partner with the National Open College Network (NOCN) to co‑produce and deliver externally recognised training, specifically designed for adults with a learning disability in South Gloucestershire. The programme will be open to all adults with a learning disability living in South Gloucestershire, not only those currently supported by Milestones Trust.

The course will focus on supporting and guiding others in creative activities, while also building skills in independence, teamwork, session planning, communication and leadership.

Funding will support an initial pilot programme in which participants will attend facilitated sessions, take part in creative practice, and receive one‑to‑one coaching. Crucially, participants will also be involved in co‑producing the course modules and will be formally credited for their contribution. Subject to final approval, all participants will receive a Certificate in Art Facilitation from NOCN.

Gemma May, Community Integration Lead at Milestones Trust, said:

“This is a significant step forward in offering certified training opportunities for people with learning disabilities, particularly young people with Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) funding.

“We will use this learning as we grow as an Endorsed Centre, enabling us to offer further accredited training for people with additional needs – without the pressure of having to meet Ofsted requirements for Maths and English.”

She added:

“While this funding is specifically for people with learning disabilities, we fully intend to extend this model to people accessing mental health services as we develop our role as an Endorsed Centre.”

Applications to take part in the co‑production of the course will open soon. If you would like to find out more, or register early interest in the project, please contact Abigail Yateman at abigailyateman@milestonestrust.org.uk.