A programme which trains adult mentors to encourage local people in some of the borough’s most deprived areas to get back into learning or training is looking for 20 volunteers.
The Learning with Adult Mentors Project (LAMP) offers a free four-week training programme at the Bryony adult education centre, Shepherds Bush, with childcare and other expenses covered. Participants who complete the training programme and a short assignment will gain a City & Guilds certificate in adult learner support.
The project aims to increase the take-up of adult education and training in the most deprived areas of Hammersmith & Fulham, especially by black and minority ethnic residents, people with disabilities, lone parents, refugees and homeless people.
The idea is for the 20 adult mentors from these communities to support 50 other residents, who could be friends, neighbours, colleagues or family members – and encourage them to take up learning or training opportunities. They would point them in the direction of professional advice, support them through the enrolment and induction processes of signing up for a course, as well as giving them encouragement to continue and progress into jobs.
As well as the initial training, the adult mentors will get regular one-to-one support from the project co-ordinator and access to computer facilities, office equipment, desk space as well as a pack with stationery, information on local education or training providers and other key agencies; regular networking events and workshops; information and guidance to help them with their own learning and career paths.
LAMP is run by the council’s adult education service in collaboration with the Urban Partnership Group regeneration charity and Hammersmith & Fulham Volunteer Development Agency. The London West Learning and Skills Council is supporting the project with money from the Neighbourhood Learning in Deprived Communities Fund.
Cllr David Williams, deputy for education, said: “I would urge residents to get involved in supporting this important project. You could really help a family member, friend or colleague to get more out of life and improve their career prospects - and you will gain a recognised qualification, as well as careers advice and valuable experience in working with and supporting others.”
To find out more about the LAMP programme contact Mary Hennessy, project officer at the Urban Partnership Group, on 020 8746 2120 or email mhennessy@urbanpartnershipgroup.co.uk.
November 28, 2004
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