Strengthening partnerships and skills at this term’s pop-up-shop

We recently welcomed a few of our valued partners to this term’s Supported Learning pop-up shop event, as well as their end-of-year celebrations. The pop-up shop is an important cross-provision activity that takes place twice each year, at Christmas and again in June during the summer term. Visitors included:

• Leigh Grant, Learning Disability Work Skills Coach, Camden Learning Disability Service (CLDS)
• Terry De Willers, Learning and Skills Co-ordinator, Unity Works
• Ioanna Korfiati, Community Partnerships Coordinator, Learning and Programmes, The British Museum
• Rahma Maina, Teacher, Ambitious College, Supported Internship at The Whittington Hospital

Their visit provided a valuable opportunity to share the learners’ progress and highlight the impact of the creative work taking place within Supported Learning.

Developing creative and employability skills for WM College learners

The pop-up shop began as a way to showcase the outstanding craft items created in our arts-based courses. Over time, it has become a core feature of our curriculum, providing learners with the opportunity to apply their creativity in a real-world context.

The items produced are always of an exceptional standard, and the shop provides an authentic platform for learners to see their work valued by the public.

Building confidence through hands-on learning

One of the most significant outcomes of the pop-up shop is the increase in learner confidence. Watching customers buy the items they have made gives learners a strong sense of pride, achievement, and purpose.

This activity also encourages learners to explore their own abilities, try new tasks, and engage more deeply with their learning.

How the pop-up shop supports work-ready skills

In addition to creativity, the Pop-Up-Shop helps learners develop practical, transferable skills that support employability. These include:

• Time management
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Numeracy
• Customer interaction
• Budgeting and saving (many learners choose to make gifts for family and friends)

These skills help create a smooth transition for learners who wish to explore future employment or work experience opportunities.

Benefits of enterprise activities for learners

Enterprise projects like the pop-up shop provide a safe, supported environment where learners can take responsibility, learn at their own pace, and understand the value of their contributions.
This approach encourages independence, problem-solving, and resilience—qualities that support both personal growth and future workplace success.

Partner organisations supporting inclusive employment

We are fortunate to have developed strong partnerships with organisations that share our commitment to inclusive employment. CLDS, Unity Works, the British Museum, and Ambitious College at Whittington Hospital each bring specialist skills, knowledge, and resources that extend the learning journey beyond our provision.

We are also exploring a new potential partnership with Sainsbury’s, which we hope to confirm in the near future.

These collaborations ensure that adults with learning difficulties are recognised, supported, and included within employment pathways. Each partner plays a vital role in shaping opportunities and providing access to employers who are committed to building inclusive workplaces.

Pathways to employment for adults with learning difficulties

Learners often begin developing their foundational skills with us before progressing into work-related experiences with partner organisations. Alternatively, partners may refer learners to us to enhance specific skills in preparation for placement opportunities.

Collaborative approaches to learner development

This joint approach ensures that learners receive tailored, consistent support at every stage. By working together, we help learners build the confidence, skills, and independence required to take meaningful steps toward employment and wider community involvement.

Preparing learners for work experience and internships

Whether learners aim for supported internships, volunteering, or longer-term employment, the Pop-Up-Shop is a key stepping stone in building the readiness and resilience they need. Through hands-on experience and strong partnerships, we continue to create accessible, inclusive pathways that honour each learner’s individual goals and potential.