The acquisition of the St Vincent’s building, adjacent to the Ellis and Kennedy block, has enabled the Additional Learning Support department to establish a much-needed base room. Here, students who work extensively with the department can relax and unwind at agreed times; keep up to date with course requirements; staff can hold mentoring sessions with students in a calm and quiet environment, and formal departmental business can be discussed.

In order to launch the opening of the base room a buffet event was held in October, attended by staff and students alike, where there was an opportunity to socialise in an informal atmosphere and become familiar with the new facility. Coordinator Stacey Crowcroft was delighted with the turnout and positive feedback from students and another event was held just before Christmas. The ALS student ambassadors helped in the planning and preparation, festive food was provided, and staff and students enjoyed playing board games and even trying their hand at Christmas related origami, guided by expert Ayan Bukhari. It is hoped that these two events are the first of many, and that the base room will become established as a valuable and well-used resource.