It was access all areas for a group of Stockton Riverside College students as they got a behind the scenes glimpse at some of the services helping to make our communities safer.

Foundation students paid a visit to Stockton Council’s Community Safety Team, where they were given the chance to find out more about the important work going on there.

A tour of the CCTV control room proved a highlight for the learners who are developing the skills needed to help them live more independent lives.

Foundation skills lecturer Leanne Nixon said: “As part of their qualification the students need to learn about the local community and the facilities and services that are available.”

She explained their aim is to help the students build a broader understanding of how different departments of the council work and how that could apply to their own lives.

“Some of these students will go on to live independently or in supported living,” said Leanne. “So we look at different problems they may have and help to develop an awareness of who to go to for help.”

The group of nine students who are studying for the Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Development, also paid a visit to Stockton Police Station where they were given a tour of the custody suite.

Leanne said: “The students got so much from the whole event. In terms of helping the student to developing a broader understanding of how those services work and support people, it was really useful to have that input.”

Find out more about all the Foundation Skills courses at Stockton Riverside College by visiting: www.stockton.ac.uk/courses/foundation-skills/