Neighbourhood Learning 2008
Building on the success of the Neighbourhood Renewal Learning Plan, Voscur’s new Autumn Neighbourhood Learning Programme will be running between September and December 2008.
Click here to DOWNLOAD the Autumn 2008 Neighbourhood Learning Programme
The programme aims to build on peoples skills, knowledge and confidence in order to strengthened their influence and involvement in communities and local democracy.
There will be a range of free opportunities available including one day training sessions, events, visits and a Councillor shadowing scheme.
The programme is free, access costs such as transport and childcare will be covered. There will be places reserved for people with low or no qualifications (people with below 5 GCSEs grade "c" or equivalent).
For more information on the courses and to book on, please go to the Training & Learning page. If you have any queries please contact Hannah Parker or Rebekah Hacker at Voscur on 0117 909 9949 or email: hannah@voscur.org or rebekah@voscur.org
What else is happening?
An innovative new personal development project called the (be) programme, run by Voscur and Learning Communities, will also begin this autumn. The (be) programme aims to challenge and raise people’s aspirations for themselves, their families and their communities.
Who is (be) for?
People aged from 19 to 99 years old and above who have low or no qualifications (below 4 GCSE’S or equivalent).“I have been out of work for 4 years and did not know how to get back into it, I thought this would give me the opportunity to get some support and new ideas. I gained lots from it, I found out about organisations I can get help from and how to get back to work. Rather than just thinking about things I’m now taking action, I’ve renewed my first aid certificate and contacted social care team at Bristol City Council. I definitely think more positively and now understand that people have different ways of thinking about things. I’ve even found out that I can do public speaking even though it was scary!”
Paula Issacs, St Pauls Resident
How is it delivered?
Through a flexible 20 hour course, delivered in a way that best suits those taking part. The recommendation from people who’ve taken part in previous courses is that 4 hours a week over a 5 week period is most convenient. Following the course, learners work with a mentor, and are supported to achieve their goals.What’s happened so far?
Three successful pilot projects have run with a range of people from Full Circle Parents Project, Bristol Community Housing Federation (BCHF) and Bristol Council Care and After team.“I’ve been so impressed by how much the learners’ self confidence has grown, they now have choices and know where to get support from each other and from within this community”
Scott Jacobs Lange, Worker, BCHF
How can you be part of the (be) project?
Voscur and Learning Communities are running more (be) programmes in Autumn 2008 and Spring 2009 and are looking for groups or individuals to take part in this great opportunity! If you want to know more please contact Hannah Parker at Voscur on 0117 909 9949 or email: hannah@voscur.org“The (be) programme has given me more confidence and has helped me realise I’m not stupid and I can learn new things every day. I met other women who are in a similar situation and we are now friends, we cooked at a feast day in Horfield and are looking for funding to make a recipe book from the countries we come from. I’ve started to volunteer as a health care assistant and have an advice worker who is helping me with my CV and job applications. It’s been really great!”
Patricia Antas, Horfield Resident