My name is Ginni and I am the deputy project manager of Iris Hayter House; which is a registered care home run by Response. Response is an organisation that provides supported housing and promotes independence for people with mental health problems. Iris Hayter House is the only registered care home within the organisation. And our residence here get high level of personal care, support with their personal hygiene and a lot of them have mobility issues as well.

We have had two apprentices at Iris Hayter House, which has been an interesting experience for them and for us. I like to think that we are offering them as much opportunity as possible for their personal development and for professional development by trying to provide apprentices with opportunities to learn how to work with people with mental health problems, who might display some sort of challenging behaviour at times and supporting them with their daily living, personal care and learning to do that in a way that is respectful and offers the option of dignity for all our clients.

My name is Emma Knowles, and I am 19 years old. I have completed my apprenticeship course in October of last year, and I am now working full time for my last placement, which is Response Organisation in Littlemore. There was an option for me to go to university, but I thought I'd choose the apprenticeship route to meet new people and to get the NVQ and to get more experience, I think. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've met lots of new people and made lots of new friends. And I'll tell you what, I'm glad I did this instead of going to university.