Film and TV star Warwick Davis has officially unveiled an education charity’s new Spalding offices.
Nacro has been giving young people an alternative route for further education for the last decade.
And the operation which currently has 40 students has expanded its premises at its Westlode Street premises and is now at the front of Broadgate House.
Star Wars, Harry Potter, Willow and Life’s Too Short star Warwick, told The Voice: “I get lots of requests for events from across the country but this one stood out.
“You get a sense of how difficult school can be for some young people and seeing what they do here for those young people is so inspiring.
“Some young people fall through the cracks a bit and they don’t achieve the things they are capable of.
“Places like this can help them achieve that potential.”
Warwick, alongside wife Samantha, answered questions from the students, regaling tales of dinners with Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer, meeting Michael Jackson and accidentally blanking Madonna, but also emphasised any fame is a result of hard work.
Among the students at Nacro are Shauna Hopson (16) who is learning care.
“I had to look after my grandma who had Alzheimer’s while my granddad had kidney failure,” she said. “I’m hoping to get the qualifications so I can go on and care for the elderly.”
Other options include improving English and Maths grades and retail skills.
Abbie Amess (17) said: “It’s something we all wanted to do. It’s extended schooling and prepares us for getting a job.
Liam Foreman (18) added: “It’s like school but more fun and we enjoy it.”
Scott Robinson (18) said of his experiences: “I was never particularly good at learning at school in big class rooms.
“The class rooms here are smaller and its easier to listen.
“They also help you with CVs and interviews.”
Nacro has education centres across the country, with six staff overseeing the Spalding office led by senior tutor Zoe Whitmore.
“Our new base will be able to expand the opportunities and experience of our students, she said.
“These young people want to be educated in the local area.
“We provide a nice environment in smaller support where they can get more support than what they would receive in lessons in school and we can tender the learning more to their needs.
“The aim is to give them the skills they need going forward.
“We’ve seen some amazing transformations. We see many young people with different and complex needs, many of whom really struggle to even speak to you when they come in.
“But you really see the confidence grow in them by the time they leave.
“It’s really rewarding when you see past pupils around town and they tell you what they’re up to and they’ve got this job and brought that house.”
