Oli’s Story

Oli’s Story:

Pathway

Adult Life and Independence

Planned Outcomes

• Increase confidence in communication

• Develop skills for independent living

• Build a career in agriculture and farm work

Key Achievements

• Oliver gained a Functional Skills qualification in Maths (Level 1).

• He developed valuable skills in animal care and horticulture, including lambing and floristry.

• Oliver secured a job at Apperknowle Farm and is now an integral part of the team.

• He volunteers at the farm on weekends and has become a trusted, well-liked team member.

• Oliver won multiple rosettes at local shows for his vegetables, Dahlias, and sheep handling skills.

• He now leads farm tours for our networking events and private tours for potential Landmarks learners.

When Oliver first arrived at Landmarks College, he struggled with anxiety and found it difficult to communicate. At first, Oliver could only communicate by nodding and wasn’t able to express his feelings or let anyone know when something was wrong. His anxiety made it hard for him to be away from his mum, and stepping out of his comfort zone felt overwhelming.

But, with time and the right support, Oliver began to make remarkable progress. We helped him work on expressing his feelings, and through the use of feelings cards, he learned how to communicate more clearly. Slowly, he gained the confidence to ask for help independently and even began to share his thoughts and feelings verbally. With every step, Oliver’s confidence grew, and he started to feel more comfortable around staff and peers.

A major turning point in Oliver’s journey came when he started working at Apperknowle Farm. His work with the animals, particularly the sheep, and his involvement in horticulture ignited a passion for farming. Oliver’s connection to the farm gave him a sense of purpose, and his skills began to blossom. As he worked alongside staff and peers, he gained pride in his accomplishments and slowly started to form friendships.

His parent shares, “At the end of each day, he can’t wait to tell me and sometimes show me what he’s been doing. He is proud of the work he does.”

Oliver’s growth continued to impress everyone around him. He entered competitions, showcasing his talent and dedication. At the Dearne Valley College horticulture competition, he earned second place. He also won rosettes at the Penistone Show for his vegetables, Dahlias, and sheep handling skills. These accolades were a reflection of Oliver’s passion, hard work, and commitment.

Present Day:

Today, Oliver is an integral member of the Apperknowle Farm team. He’s secured a paid job at the farm, where he leads groups, works independently on weekends, and mentors his peers. Oliver also leads farm tours for our networking events and private tours for potential learners considering Landmarks College. His ability to speak confidently and share his love for farming has made him a trusted figure at the college and farm, and he enjoys introducing new visitors to the work he is so passionate about.

Oliver was proudly awarded Staff Member of the Year. It’s a fantastic recognition of his dedication, hard work, and the positive impact he’s made within the team. His enthusiasm, leadership, and willingness to support others have made him a real role model.

Oliver’s transformation from a young man struggling with anxiety to a confident, capable individual is one of the most inspiring success stories we’ve had the pleasure of witnessing. He’s gained not only the skills needed for independent living but also a deep sense of pride in his work, and his journey continues to inspire others.

Well done, Oliver! You’ve grown into a confident, skilled young man who has become a vital part of the Landmarks community. We are incredibly proud of all that you’ve achieved, and we can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next.