Arriving at Derwen College from London, Millie faced the challenge of living away from home for the first time.
But with the support and care of the college community, she overcame early anxieties, developed independence, and grew into a confident young adult ready for her next steps into adulthood.
After a welcoming first visit, the decision to join Derwen College was easy for Millie and her family. Her passion for music and dance made the Performing Arts pathway a natural fit. “She was really excited that if she managed to get in she would experience true independence living in the College bungalows, making her own decisions which was her dream and having her own friends,” says her mum.
Opportunity to thrive
The transition to College wasn’t without its challenges; after a stressful wait for funding approval, Millie arrived at Derwen with little time for a planned transition period. “Even so, Millie was really excited to be there and to start making new friends,” her mum says. “It’s always going to feel strange arriving at a new place, especially when you realise this is where you are going to live, but Millie had seen her brother go to university and was keen to experience the same. Derwen College was her opportunity to thrive and push her boundaries.”
Millie was supported to settle into her new environment. She lived in shared accommodation with other students, which could be noisy and unpredictable at times. “The carers were fantastic in helping her to feel safe, stable and have fun,” her mum explains.
The college’s safeguarding and care teams worked closely with Millie, helping her to manage friendships, understand boundaries, and navigate online content safely. Feeling nurtured, Millie began to understand and use taught coping methods, and her parents soon noticed the difference. “We began to notice during the holidays just how much she was maturing in her outlook,” says mum.
‘It was brilliant!’
Independence is at the heart of learning at College, and Millie learned to cook basic meals, make her bed, do her laundry, and walk safely to the local shops. Her achievements in Performing Arts were also exceptional: she completed a BTEC qualification, joined the Derwen Dance Crew (DDC), and took part in national competitions. “I loved it all – the acting, dancing, performing, making sets and designing costumes… it was brilliant!” she says.
She also completed her Bronze, Silver, and Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, and was invited to celebrate the Gold Award at Buckingham Palace together with friends and their families. “My favourite part was the activities – I really liked canoeing, learning to prepare meals outside on the fire, staying in the bunkhouse, making new friends, laughing and completing challenges,” she recalls.
‘Millie transformed’
Performing Arts teacher, Jessie, praised Millie’s progress and resilience. At Graduation she said: “With patience, time and belief, and the support of many teams across college and from home, Millie transformed. Over her time at College we saw her develop greater independence, positive friendship groups, professionalism, and the ability to problem solve and develop a range of effective strategies to support her emotions. The most inspiring thing to see was how she learnt to recover when things didn’t go to plan.”
Millie is now living at home until a supported living flat becomes available. She continues to use her independence skills and is as busy as ever, on a training programme at theatre group Peer Productions, attending a dance class at the Lyric Theatre and weekly dancercise classes. She remains in close contact with friends made at Derwen, supporting each other and sharing successes.
Of her time at College, Millie says: “I would recommend students to go and see what it’s like and they will love it. There is loads to do re activities in the evenings and weekends. You will make friends who are doing different courses like hospitality, retail, gardening etc which is really interesting as everyone has different experience and things to talk about. You get to learn to be independent, making your own choices, whilst being helped and cared for.”
Strong sense of self
Mum Karin agrees. She says: “She now has such a strong sense of herself. She is grounded and is better able to make good and caring friendships and positive and stable relationships. The way that issues, problems and behaviours were handled was exceptional and resourceful, always with attention to care and Millie’s wellbeing.
“Derwen has enabled her to deal with change, transition and occasional disappointments that can occur, with a greater degree of maturity. She is able to be more circumspect and move on quickly from difficult moments. We understand that the needs of the students who come to Derwen are many and varied but under Derwen’s care they are always seen as individuals.”
