Home > The Alison Centre > Fresh Start
Fresh Start
This project funded by the Northern Rock Foundation was set up to provide disadvantaged, particularly 16-25 year olds, with introductory computer learning skills.
It endeavours to equip them with a basic on-line capability, enabling them to communicate better in society.
Through Fresh Start we hope that they stand a better chance of re-integrating and connecting with other organisations that demand these basic life skills.
Our association with Newcastle College has provided us with a tutor, Martin Fairley, and a way of gaining certification for the courses we offer. The link with the college allows us to have a gateway to all the other courses that they offer, including basic numeracy and literacy. We have been able to offer one to one teaching by the addition of an a very able classroom assistant.
So far we have helped over 36 students, a third of which are over 24 years old. 17 students have received accreditation.
The typical split for the gender of our students is around 24 males and 12 females.
Providing education has dovetailed with Government policy to help integrate those disadvantaged with society beyond just feeding, clothing and friendship.
We have found that whilst it has been easy to recruit for Fresh Start it is more difficult to retain students, because they typically are inconsistant people.
Please contact Jeff Moon about training issues at The People’s Kitchen.
