LEE ANDERSON MP VISITS PORTLAND COLLEGE COVID TEST CENTRE

We were delighted to welcome Lee Anderson MP for Ashfield and Eastwood for a socially distanced visit to campus last week to showcase our recent developments.

First, Lee visited our COVID testing centre where he had a lateral flow test before being able to access other areas of the campus. 

The testing team, made up of Portland staff, talked to Lee about the success of the centre, which has delivered over 2,500 tests to staff, learners and citizens and identified only 5 positive cases. The effectiveness of the centre meant that these 5 cases were able to isolate immediately, preventing an outbreak on campus and protecting our vulnerable people.

Lee then went on to visit our Day Service where he saw first-hand the measures we have in place to keep everyone safe. To enable social distancing and protective bubbles for citizens, Day Service has also expanded across two buildings on site.

He met staff and citizens who were immersed in Red Nose Day activities and he got to hear just how much our citizens love attending the service which has remained open throughout the pandemic.

It was great to be able to share our plans for the Newstart Hall which will open later this year as a state-of-the-art sports and performance centre, a facility that will really benefit our local communities through expressive arts and sports programmes, theatre performances and a brand new coffee shop.

The visit was also the perfect opportunity to share our proposed strategic plan which will see Portland College help even more young people with disabilities to strive for brighter futures.  Lee fed into our consultation and his insight and support will be really valuable in driving the plan forward. 

Lee commented: “Portland College is a real jewel in Ashfield’s crown. The College continues to go from strength to strength. Everyone there has adapted well to the new testing facility and day services haven’t been interrupted due to the pandemic. I can’t wait to visit again once the lockdown measures ease.”