SHOCKED parents, students and staff from Thurrock, Basildon and Southend gathered to make a noisy protest today (Friday, 14 October) after a learning programme for young people with special needs and vulnerabilities was suddenly closed.

Without notice students and parents of young people who attend Lifeskills at Southgate House in the heart of Basildon were told yesterday that it would close immediately.

Lifeskills is attended by young people from across south Essex and worked with them to give them a better future.

Programmes of learning were tailored to the individual to allow them to work at their own pace, receiving support and guidance every step of the way.

A statement in Lifeskills' promotional literature says: "It isn't about giving them an easy ride. It's giving them the chance to gain real qualifications and experience, so they have the skills and the confidence to go out into the workplace.

"And it works. Over 79% of young people on our courses went into a job or an apprenticeship.

"LifeSkills has been recognised as one of the UK's leading learning providers. Our courses include, health and social care, customer service, business support services, nail & beauty, motor vehicle and construction.

"But we don't only provide skills in specific areas. Individuals also improve functional skills in maths, English and e-safety, get practical help with CVs and interview techniques and engage in activities promoting personal and social development."

Students at Lifeskills.

Among those protesting today was a former teacher who told Nub News what Lifeskills achieved. She said: "I have just met someone at the protest who I taught a few years ago. She, like me was shocked at the news and wanted to come here.

"Her life was changed by Lifeskills. What we were able to do was give her the necessary skills to find a job, the confidence to take it and the support she could rely on.

"She has made great strides and now has a career and has been promoted his her workplace. She said none of that would be possible without Lifeskills."

And a mum talked to Nub News and spoke of how Lifeskills had been a lifeline for her son. She said: "What can he do now, sit at home at do nothing? This is shocking and a way needs to be found to reopen it straight away."

Staff have been told they cannot talk to media on pain of losing the pay they have yet to receive but many say they are totally stunned by what has happened and said it 'came out of the blue'.

The impact of Lifeskills is detailed on its Facebook page which remains live – though its website has been closed.

A class at Lifeskills.

Charlie Woollard says: "Ever since starting life skills a year ago it's been an amazing experience meeting new people and learning about new things."

And Loren Hill says: "No matter what my circumstances, Lifeskills has always managed to provide me with an education and those around me have been so supportive.

"I fell pregnant with my second child whilst at Lifeskills and I was still able to attend the college and have support from my tutors.

"Risk assessments were put in place to make sure I had a safe environment to work in. I was short of money after falling pregnant but I was given back my travel money to make sure I still got the education I wanted.

"I also had help for my child's education too. While I studied at Lifeskills my son was able to attend nursery."

Nub News has contacted a representative of Lifeskills but has had, as yet, no response.