Innovate Dorset Ltd

At Innovate Wimborne today, we welcomed representatives from the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

They delivered an informative session explaining the vital work they undertake, including how they respond to medical emergencies, the equipment carried on board, and the support they provide to patients across the region.

The session helped to develop their understanding of emergency services and the important role that air ambulances play in saving lives within local communities.

Amazing stuff, thank you Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Places are NOW available for Innovate's Post 16 - Level Up Project 2027.

Follow the link for more information: https://innovatedorset.co.uk/PROFESSIONALS/level-up

Inspiring Careers Chat with AFC Bournemouth!
This week, our post-16 group were delighted to welcome AFC Bournemouth in for an engaging careers session, giving our young people a real insight into the wide range of roles within the club, from the ticketing office and coaching to disability engagement and marketing.

A big thank you to our guest speakers, Hannah and John, who shared their personal career journeys and the routes they took to get where they are today. They were open and honest about the challenges they’ve overcome, making their stories even more powerful and inspiring.

It was fantastic to see Hannah take the time after the session to have a great conversation with our post-16 young people about career opportunities at AFCB.

An inspiring and motivational session that shows there are so many different pathways into football, both on and off the pitch!

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Puzzle complete!

In this activity, the young person took on the challenge of completing the first escape-style puzzle by using different “keys” to fill the shape correctly and discover which key unlocked the puzzle.

There was certainly a lot of trial and error, discussion, and careful thinking as different ideas were tested to find the right solution. Activities like this are a great way to make learning fun while also encouraging important life skills.

Throughout the challenge, the young person developed and strengthened: problem-solving, Critical thinking, Teamwork, Maths skills & improved reading comprehension

It was fantastic to see confidence grow with every attempt, along with determination and communication skills. Hands-on activities like these help young people learn that mistakes are part of the process and that working together can lead to success.

A brilliant example of learning through play, creativity, and challenge!

Gross Science experiments were the order of the day on Monday, such a messy success!

In the session, the group made pus balls, a snot pot, and a fart tub! They also discovered what happens when you squeeze a bladder… and even created a skull vomit experiment (although the reaction happened way too fast to catch on camera!)

Lots of laughter, slime, surprises, and hands-on science fun today!

In PSHE, the focused WAS on healthy ways to manage stress

The group got hands-on by making their own stress balls, giving them a simple and practical tool they can use in everyday life. It was great to see everyone getting involved and learning new ways to support their wellbeing.

Activities like this help build positive coping strategies while also having a bit of fun along the way!

**Now Open – Innovate Exam Centre!**

Looking for a reliable place to sit your exams?
• Maths
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**Specialist SEN support available**
Creating a comfortable and supportive environment for every learner.

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Spaces are limited – **Visit now for more information using the link below**
https://innovatedorset.co.uk/PROFESSIONALS/exam-centre

Today, this mentoring session focused on looking ahead and building confidence. Together, the mentor and the young person created an Aims & Objectives board to support a positive transition into a new school, emphasising communication skills, self-belief, and healthy coping strategies. It was great to see such engagement and motivation for the future.

Investing in the People Who Make the Difference

This is where it starts.
Not out in the community.
Not in front of young people.
But right here, around the table.

The second cohort of staff from across Innovate Dorset Ltd has come together, taking the next step in their professional journey by working towards a qualification in Youth Work.

Laptops open, resources spread out, conversations underway, this is more than learning theory. This is building real skills, strengthening confidence, and deepening understanding of what it takes to truly support young people.

Because great youth work doesn’t happen by chance, it’s built, supported, and enhanced through opportunities like this.