One of the aims of the multi-union ULF (Union Learning Fund) project, Building a Learning Legacy based at Hinkley Point C, is to develop and support community learning centres to become self-sustaining.

Learning Centre Facilitator Tazim Ladhu delivers computer skills, maths and English training, helping with job searching and CV writing and supports learners in community learning centres. In addition she is also recruiting
and training volunteers from the community to become ‘Digital Champions’. They will pass on their skills to other learners long after the ULF project has ended.

The ULF project has opened or enhanced several new community learning centres across the region where Tazim runs informal drop-in sessions to support learners with their training needs. She runs both group and one-to-one sessions. Some learners visit the centres with little or no IT skills, but through the sessions they gain confidence in their ability to use computers and other devices. Some learners develop their skills further to become Digital Champions.

Tazim said:

The learners are the best people to help others, having overcome any barriers or fears themselves. The volunteers are also able to help recruit new learners by spreading the word in their communities and reassuring them that the learning, and especially computers, is not as ʻscaryʼ as some may feel."

A short, easy-to-use online course introduces the volunteers to the skills and qualities they need to start becoming Digital Champions and provides top tips to help them support others to use the internet.

Tazim added:

Through supporting their learning, I can see how quickly they grasp new ideas and whether they would be able to cope with helping someone else. 

I also help them to develop the skills and strategies they need to be able to support learners and, after observing them, give feedback – helping them to develop their ʻpeople skillsʼ for example."

In addition, volunteers who may not have digital skills can help with the practicalities of running a training course – setting up equipment, ‘meeting and greeting’ new learners, helping with refreshments and promoting the training. This can make all the difference to successful learning by putting people at ease and promoting a welcoming atmosphere, particularly when people have been out of the classroom for a long time.

Mike Sprigg took part in learning set-up by the ULF project at the Albemarle Centre, refreshing his computer skills and finding his way around Skype and other digital means of keeping in touch with his children and grandchildren. Now retired, he wanted to pass on these skills and help to close the so-called ‘digital divide’ among some of the older members of his local community.

Mike said:

Becoming a volunteer has given me the chance to help others in the community. I’ve tried to pass on the information I’ve learnt and get other people interested. I’ve recruited two new people to come and update their computer skills and hopefully they will end up as volunteers too."

He is now a Digital Champion and helps Tazim in the learning centres at the Albemarle Centre in Taunton and the EDF Energy Visitor Centre. The learners are a mix of retired people who want to learn basic digital skills through to younger, unemployed people who are now beginning to access the learning opportunities on offer. They want to upgrade their IT skills and get help with CV writing, or improve their numeracy and literacy skills so they have a better chance of finding work.

Andrew Senneck is also retired, having previously worked in IT, and is working towards becoming a Digital Champion. He volunteers in all sorts of roles at Priorswood Community Centre, from working behind the reception desk to helping with job searches.

Andrew said:

Some people are very unfamiliar with computers and I help them with the basics of using the equipment as well as the software. Iʼm pleased to be able to pass on my little bit of knowledge to others. It gives me job satisfaction and a sense of purpose."

Debbie Smith has found that volunteering is developing her own skills to help her get back to work while supporting others. 

Debbie said:

Iʼve been bringing up my children, but now I want to get off benefits and into full-time work. Iʼd like to go into counselling or admin work – somewhere I can make a difference. The course is teaching me so much. Iʼm learning new things and refreshing my knowledge."

Corrine McMylor initially came to Priorswood Community Centre to help with meeting and greeting and refreshments. Tazim encouraged her to go online and see what the group was learning.

Corrine says:

I worked through the online training so I feel more able to assist with their queries. I also completed the Digital Champion training on Learn My Way which has been beneficial to me. I am looking forward to offering ongoing support as well as updating and enhancing my own skills. Both Taz and the other volunteers are there to offer me support when I am not sure which step is next."

With the help of the volunteers, the numbers of learners coming in to the community learning centres is growing, with word-of-mouth playing an important role. So having volunteers on hand to help out is really important.

Tazim added:

Often new learners need and benefit from having one-to-one support especially if they have never used a computer before."

By supporting volunteers with their knowledge and skills, the centres will be able to continue providing the support and learning set up long after the ULF project has ended.