Stonehouse Neighbourhood Project
Keeping IT local |
The Challenge- To provide accessible information communications technology (ICT) learning opportunities within a local community.
Developing the idea - Following a vision to establish a local Learning Centre in the High Street of a small market town, Stonehouse Neighbourhood Project's management committee initiated a feasibility study. This involved identifying key community partners who were prepared to help, advise and finance a very challenging and ambitious project.
- A former video store was identified as suitable premises. Funding for equipment and alterations were provided via the Skills Challenge Fund, with Stroud College committing to providing staff and services for an initial six-month period.
 | | Stonehouse Neighbourhood Project offers computer skills training |
Making it happen- The Skills Challenge Fund financed 11 personal computers; technical and educational support was jointly obtained via Gloucestershire Neighbourhood Projects Network and Stroud College provided the appropriate connections, course materials and two part-time administrative staff.
- The local Neighbourhood College opened in April 1999.
- After six months, with 74 students in total, the project employed its own training facilitator for 28 hours per week.
This service is now available to a wide range of mixed ability students, many from the 'hard to reach' groups. Many require, and receive, one to one support. Keeping it going - As projects such as these cannot be self-sustaining, it is important to consider income generation opportunities such as course fees. The project therefore focused on income-generating courses, while also applying for other funds.
- The Learning Centre is open five days, four evenings and Saturday morning each week and looking for larger premises. Sufficient joint funding has been obtained from other sources to pay for salaries, equipment and technical support. Two former volunteers are also employed.
Key tips - Identify specific student need and strive to offer appropriate support
- Provide a stimulating environment for students
- Identify a supportive management committee
- Adequate staffing is essential - utilise, train and support volunteers
- Form strong community partnerships
- Sustainable funding is so important ie. income generation
- Maintain in-date records and other administration systems
- Remember, very often, help and advice can be more valuable than a financial contribution
Contact: Stonehouse Neighbourhood Project College, via Gloucestershire Neighbourhood Projects Network.
Who can help?
Key organisations that helped this project and could 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. Funding sources
| Other useful contacts
| - Ashchurch Parish Council
- Charitable Trusts
- Colleges
- Gloucestershire County Council o Adult Continuing Education & Training service
- Gloucestershire Neighbourhood Projects Network
- National Lottery Funding Bodies
- Single Regeneration Budget
- South West Regional Development Agency
- Stroud District Council
- Tewkesbury Town Council
| - Adult Education Consortia see Gloucestershire County Council - ACET
- Business Link Gloucestershire
- Co-operative Futures
- District councils
- Gloucestershire County Council
- Arts Development (see Libraries Arts and Museums)
- Gloucestershire Information Advice and Guidance
- Neighbourhood College Network - see Gloucestershire Neighbourhood Projects Network
- Learning and Skills Council
- South West Arts
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