Illuminating Treloar’s impact: a student poem for National Poetry Day

Thursday 5th October is National Poetry Day, the annual celebration that encourages everyone to make, experience and share poetry with family and friends. Sharing poetry enables us to come together because voices, words and stories help to bridge understanding in our community.

This year we are privileged to share the heartfelt reflections of Claire, a student whose words paint a vivid portrait of her experience of Treloar’s. Claire wanted to try and encapsulate how impactful and meaningful her experience of Treloar was.

We hope that by sharing this poignant poem, we can demonstrate the impact Treloar’s has on both our students and their families. Claire’s words serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential that lies within Treloar’s vibrant community. It is a place where belonging is embraced. Together, we shape futures and empower every individual who passes through our doors.

Treloar’s
Treloar’s is more than a college,
A positive, vibrant and overwhelming supportive community.
Treloar’s is a place that enables young disabled people to develop a sense of belonging and unity,
Surrounded by the most amazing and dedicated support team,
Young people thrive.
The ethos of the social model of disability is the pinnacle of the world class centre,
Enabling young people to flourish in the next chapter they enter.
Caring, compassionate, considerate,
Connected to staff who just ‘get it’.

Treloar is more than a college,
A home away from home,
An environment and culture with students at it’s very heart,
With it’s values personified,
Inclusivity at the core,
Enabling students like me to develop a strong sense of identity and more,
Don’t take it for granted I implore.

The Treloar ‘bubble’ is safe and immersive,
With impetus and dedication to understand the individual,
Treloar is more than a college,
A support network.
Passionate, ambitious and diligent,
Staff celebrate achievements of the young people that are seemingly insignificant,
To the onlooker.
Everyday accomplishments inspire pride,
Students aim high,
Overcoming barriers in their young lives.
Look up for ‘yes’ and down for ‘no’
Communication differences are understood,
Freeing young people to explore their world with unlimited scope.

In the Treloar ‘bubble’,
You are valued for who you are
This ethos ingnites a spark,
For every student who starts,
A clear message that you are amazing as you are.

Treloar is more than a college,
Care is a vocation,
A makeshift family,
No longer an anomaly,
I fitted in.

Key relationships built,
Allowing me to become my own person,
My key worker,
One of the change makers,
Along with Laura,
A positive enabler,
I was understood on a level,
I didn’t think possible.
Thanks for the nattering,
It gave me confidence to open up about matters,
Whether positive or worrying.

Treloar is a place where just about anything is achievable,
Memories of which leave me feeling fulfilled,
Young people leave with a sense of determination and pride instilled,
Ready for my next venture,
It’s the people that make it.

We’re grateful to Claire for allowing us to share her poem. We also extend our gratitude to our dedicated staff members who work together to create an enriching and nurturing environment for all our students. Claire’s poem serves as a beacon, guiding us forward in our mission to make a lasting impact on the lives of our students and their families.

If you would like to support us, there are many ways you can do this. You could make a regular donation, you could leave a legacy, take part in a fundraising Challenge Event, or play our TRELOTTERY – the list is endless! To keep in touch with us and hear about our latest events and activities, simply sign up here. Or call our friendly Fundraising Team on 01420 547477 for more information on how you can help.