Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, was pleased to return to The Mount Camphill Community in Wadhurst to catch up with their team of staff, learn about upcoming projects and address concerns regarding the Home Office’s recent consultation on settlement criteria.
The Mount is a specialist further education college situated at the heart of Wadhurst, offering day and residential placements. It is part of a unique integrated Camphill community which provides care, support and engaged learning for young adults aged 16-25 with learning disabilities within a holistic environment. The development of independence skills, practical training and off-site activities extend students' experience and learning beyond The Mount, enabling them to live a fulfilled and independent life.
Nusrat has been supporting The Mount Camphill Community in Wadhurst since her first election as Wealden MP in 2015 and was pleased to support the delivery of Pond House in 2022, which was part of a pioneering new model of provision for young people with learning disabilities offering supported, independent, community living for young adults who choose to live outside The Mount’s main campus, but within walking distance to it.
For more information, visit www.mountcamphill.org.
During her recent visit to the site, some concerns were raised about reports of potential changes to immigration policy proposals, and the Home Office’s recent consultation on ‘Earned Settlement’, which includes consulting on the qualifying period for settlement under the Health and Care visa being increased by ten years.
Nusrat Ghani said: “The Mount Camphill Community is a fantastic asset to Wadhurst and the wider area, helping students gain greater independence, create friendships, and equipping them with skills that will help them engage in the community outside college life. I would like to thank all the wonderful staff who provide long-term personal care and complex behavioural care to some of the most vulnerable people in society. As many come to live and work in Wadhurst from all over the world, I appreciate the concerns around the Home Office’s consultation and the damaging impact that some of the proposals could have on the social care workforce in Wadhurst and across Sussex Weald. I recognise the indispensable role that everyone in The Mount Camphill team plays in supporting young adults with learning disabilities and I will continue to represent their cases to the Home Office and supporting The Mount’s projects in Wadhurst.”
