Portland College

Portland College, located in Mansfield, is a leading provider of education and support for young people and adults with disabilities. Established in 1949, it offers a variety of programs tailored to individual needs, promoting independence and skills development. The college specialises in education, vocational training, and personal development, creating opportunities for students to thrive in inclusive and supportive environments.

Portland College is designed with accessibility and innovation at its core, offering facilities that cater to diverse needs.

Specialist Learning Spaces

Inclusive Classrooms: Equipped with adaptive technology and tools, these spaces support a wide range of learning styles and needs.
Sensory Rooms: Designed for individuals with sensory processing challenges, these rooms provide calming and stimulating environments.

Therapy and Wellness Centers

The college features physiotherapy suites and hydrotherapy pools, essential for students requiring physical rehabilitation or therapy.
Its on-site health and wellness team offers mental health support, ensuring holistic care.

Vocational Training Facilities

Workshops and Labs: From carpentry to IT, these hands-on environments prepare students for employment or further education.
Horticulture Areas: A greenhouse and outdoor gardens offer therapeutic activities and vocational training in gardening and landscaping.

Recreation and Leisure

Sports Hall and Gym: Fully accessible, the facilities promote physical fitness and recreational activities.
Forest Trails: The surrounding woodland provides opportunities for outdoor learning and connection with nature.

Understanding Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a medical condition that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. This happens due to an electrical malfunction in the heart that disrupts its normal rhythm, leading to a loss of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. Without prompt medical intervention such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation, SCA is fatal within minutes.

In cases of cardiac arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), defibrillation is essential to restore the heart's normal rhythm. The use of a defibrillator significantly improves survival rates.

Why Do We Need Defibrillators?

Defibrillators are medical devices used to treat life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT). Without prompt medical intervention such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation, SCA is fatal within minutes - every minute that passes without treatment, survival rates drop by 10%.

Impact on the Community

Portland College extends its influence beyond its students, creating positive change in the surrounding community.

Employment and Skills Development

The college partners with local businesses to offer work placements, ensuring students gain real-world experience.
Many graduates transition into local employment, contributing to the regional economy.

Inclusive Events and Workshops

Community events, such as arts exhibitions, sports days, and open workshops, foster awareness and inclusivity.
The annual Christmas Market is a celebrated event, bringing the community together to support the college's mission.

Volunteer and Outreach Programs

Local volunteers often participate in mentoring, fundraising, and supporting college activities.
Outreach initiatives include disability awareness training for local organisations and schools.

This donated defibrillator Enhancing Campus Safety, directly contributes to Portland College’s mission of fostering a safe and supportive environment. The device will be strategically located on their new Nottingham campus to ensure swift access in emergencies.

Many students at Portland College face complex health challenges, and immediate access to life-saving equipment provides reassurance to students, families, and staff.

Donations like these demonstrate how local individuals, businesses, and groups can make a real difference in the lives of others. It inspires others in the community to support Portland College, building a culture of generosity and care.