Quick reads author Lola Jaye 'Reaches for the Stars' in Barnet

Author Lola Jaye, who is also an NHS counsellor, read from her new book 'Reaching for the Stars' when she spoke to learners at the public sector union, UNISON's Return2learn centre, at Barnet council in north London today (18 November). Ms Jaye's new Quick Read is part of a series of small bite sized books that will be published on World Book Day on 5 March 2009.

Ms Jaye spoke to learners at communications course. The group was joined by three councillors who serve in the council's cabinet: Richard Cornelius, cabinet member for policy and perfomance; Andrew Harper, cabinet member for environment and transport; and Lynne Hillan, cabinet member for community services.

Lola Jaye Quick Reads* author with Councillor Lynne Hillan Councillor Andrew Harper and Councillor Richard Cornelius at Mill Hill Depot

Cllr Richard Cornelius said: "Return2learn has been a very successful scheme for training at Barnet Council. Reading is the doorway to knowledge and although at first unlikely it seems very appropriate that we have had a book launch at the depot today since the principles of Quick Reads (to entice people into reading) matches the commitment of Barnet Unison and Barnet Council to entice its workforce into learning'.

Lola Jaye said: "Experience has taught me that improving your skills can be the start of a fulfilling journey that can ultimately lead to better prospects and the improved confidence to breakthrough any barriers which may stand in your way."

Barry Francis, SE regional manager of unionlearn* said: 'Barnet Council and Unison have established a first class learning centre for their staff that they can be proud of. Despite the current economic problems in the country the union and management are working together to continue helping staff gain new skills, and provide the best possible service for local residents.'

The award winning partnership of Barnet UNISON and Barnet Council is hosted the launch at the UNISON training rooms at the council's Mill Hill's transport Depot. The learning partnership between Barnet UNISON and Barnet Council began in 2005, and has had a glowing record of achievement ever since. The commitment by both parties to training staff across all services has resulted in winning several national awards: the Go Award, Learner Rep Award, the Working in Partnership and Learning Champion Awards.

More than 400 staff, from a range of service areas including environment and transport, schools, facilities management, children's services, cleaning, adult care and customer services, have accessed basic skills training, including improving their literacy, communication and IT skills. Between January and December this year, 209 Barnet Council staff will have received training at the Unison Training Suite in Mill Hill Depot on a Return2Learn course.

To learn more about Quick Reads visit www.quickreads.org.uk

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