The Challenge
Statistics had revealed a poor take up of further education courses in the Tewkesbury and Ashchurch area. With two major employers closing down, a lot of local people needed to learn new skills.

Ashchurch Parish Council got together with neighbouring Tewkesbury Town Council and the local college, Gloscat, to bring the latest technology into the heart of its community.

Local parish councillor Steve Lewis says the council took the view that it had a social responsibility to encourage economic regeneration.

Developing the idea
Being in a good position to understand the needs of the community and having established strong local links, Ashchurch Parish Council initially investigated setting up an IT learning centre in partnership with Tewkesbury Town Council.

Computer skills help local people access information

As they felt they were stepping outside their powers to manage the project themselves, they turned to Gloscat. Colleges have a commitment to develop first-step learning opportunities in local communities so it is a natural progression to work with parish councils.

The National Association of Local Councils says there is terrific scope for parish and town councils to provide IT access points for their communities:

"Local people have a right to one-stop access to key information on issues such as health services, council tax and education. These kind of partnerships are an excellent means of improving educational opportunities, particularly in rural areas where social exclusion is increasingly a central issue."

Both councils provided free venues for the courses within the locality.

Making it happen
Government Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) funding was successfully applied for through Gloucestershire County Council's Economic Development Unit to buy laptop computers.

Among those who have benefited from the courses at Ashchurch Parish Council offices are local retired people.

After getting to grips with the latest technology they are now confidently producing useful items such as gift tags, CD covers, spreadsheets, databases and a newsletter for a local gardening club. They overcame their fear of computers and now have something in common with their grandchildren!

Key tips

• Distribute a questionnaire, perhaps with the parish newsletter, asking about the learning aspirations and needs of local people
• Find an accessible local venue
• Contact the adult education department of your local college or your local Adult Education Consortium (through Gloucestershire County Council's Adult Continuing Education & Training service (ACET)) to put on classes to meet local needs
• Generate funding through ACET, the local College, Adult Education Consortium, and the Learning and Skills Council
• Hold an Open Day to give people a chance to try out the classes

Contact: Ashchurch Parish Council. tel: 01684 297938 or see www.ashchurch.org.uk
Tewkesbury Town Council, tel: 01684 294639 or see www.tewkesburytowncouncil.accessweb.co.uk

Who can help?
Key organisations that could offer help and support in the development of your ideas. Their details can be found in the Contacts Directory. Further information on funding sources is available from Gloucestershire County Council's Economic Development Unit on 01452 425702.