On a bright September morning, a group of veterans stood outside Castle Court, Morgan House in Boosbeck with their certificates in hand. There was cake. There were a lot of smiles. For several of them, it was the first qualification they had gained in years.
It started with a phone call. In January 2026, Michelle Kelso, our Adult Education Manager, rang Castle Court to ask whether residents would be interested in some free courses. The centre, run by Healthier Heroes, supports veterans and their families. Michelle went up for a visit, and around eight residents signed up.
Each learner chose the course that mattered to them, and all three courses on offer were level 2 certificates awarded by NCFE CACHE. Those studying understanding autism learned what autism is and how our understanding of it has changed, how autistic people communicate and interact, and how sensory differences shape everyday life. Above all, they learned to support someone in a way that starts from that person’s needs, preferences and strengths.
Others took understanding behaviour that challenges. They looked at why it happens and the triggers behind it, how to encourage positive behaviour, and how calm, clear communication can bring a tense situation down. The rest studied the safe handling of medication, from the different types of medicine and how prescriptions work, to how medicines are stored, given and disposed of safely, and the careful record keeping that holds it all together.
Every Wednesday morning, from 9.30am until midday, Michelle was there. That is the time the centre sets aside for activities, and the group made it theirs.
“Each learner did the course they wanted to do,” Michelle said. “I came in every Wednesday, supported them and did a bit of teaching. And we have carried on.”
When Michelle asked the group what they wanted to learn this year, the answer was clear. They wanted to get confident with computers.
So Michelle brought in Ian Cook. Ian has taught at Prior Pursglove College since 2008, longer than some of the college’s current students have been alive. He now leads essential digital skills at Castle Court, starting at level 1.
“Essential digital skills is about using a computer to a decent level, and staying safe while you do it,” Ian said.
The group will start with staying safe online, including protecting their information and spotting scams. From there they will learn to use a device and organise files, create and edit documents, and keep in touch by email, messaging and video call, before moving on to filling in forms and making payments online. These are the everyday tasks most of us take for granted, from booking an appointment to applying for a job. If learners want to go further, into areas like cyber security, Ian is keen to follow their interest.
Learning to use a computer is hard without one, so Michelle used support funding from Tees Valley Combined Authority to buy a laptop for each learner. The laptops belong to Castle Court and stay at the centre, ready for residents to use throughout their courses and for the learners who come after them.
Some of the group are also working towards two more level 2 certificates. Mental health first aid teaches them to recognise when someone is struggling, how to respond and where to point them for help, as well as the harm that stigma can do. Preparing to work in adult social care covers communication, safeguarding, duty of care, equality and inclusion, and health and safety, which is the knowledge employers look for before someone starts a job in care.
That second course has a real goal behind it. Castle Court works on a tiered system, and residents who reach the final tier can go on to work at the centre. A recognised qualification in adult social care means they will be ready when that opportunity comes.
Congratulations to every learner who collected a certificate. Thank you to the team at Castle Court for welcoming us every week, and to Ian for joining the group.
Many of our adult courses are free for eligible adults across Tees Valley. To see what is on offer, visit adultlearning.atomix.ac.uk.