A NEW scheme which takes a fresh approach to helping adults with learning difficulties has launched.

The Robin Centre, based at Ormesby in Middlesbrough, has officially opened to the first students, all aged 18 and over, to take advantage of the facilities at the TAD Centre on Ormesby Road.

Up to 20 students with learning disabilities will be supervised by trained support workers who understand their complex needs.

The Robin Centre, which is open from nine in the morning until three in the afternoon, aims to help its students cope with everyday life.

It's been financed by a Teesside care company and has not received any public funding to set it up. The centre is equipped with an activities room that has pool and table tennis tables, and, importantly, a social media and gaming area with computers.

Director Phil Crowther said: "Adults with learning disabilities can be vulnerable and they'll be advised on how to use social media, which can be dangerous, responsibly.

"The other major part of our work will be explaining how our students can look after themselves and with this in mind, they'll be taught how to cook and how to buy food."