The courses, delivered at Newcastle’s City Library, are seen as a progression route for the customers as it gives them another eight weeks of learning and supporting each other. A total of 15 people took part in the first batch, split across morning and afternoon sessions.
The sessions featured guest speakers including Annie Murphy, of Money Wise Credit Union, who talked about ethical lending, saving and loan sharks. Elsewhere, Andrea Sattherthwaite, Apprenticeship Business Development Officer at Newcastle City Council, is arranging skills assessments for four participants who are looking for work. NCC colleagues from the EPIC Team also paid a visit raising awareness of antisocial behaviour initiatives running across the City.
And the 15 customers who completed the course have signed up for further courses to boost their skills, as well as receiving their own tablet which has given them access to BorrowBox to download free audio and eBooks.
One who took part in the course said: “I really enjoyed the course. It was interesting and fun with a lovely group of people. I enjoyed the way the course was delivered and have definitely improved my digital skills. I would welcome another training course to learn even more.”
Lisa King, Get Online Team Manager at Newcastle City Council, said: “We have two new courses starting in January with 20 participants already enrolled and a waiting list for the March courses is already building up.
“Christine, Chima and Markus at the Wise Group have been so supportive and have enabled the smooth transition of their customers onto our programme, which has been very welcomed by some of the customers who need this extra support.
“Having already met most of the 20 participants starting in January, my Team and I are excited to get started.”
Trish McQueen, of the Wise Group, said: “At The Wise Group, our wellbeing team is dedicated to enhancing our customers' confidence and social connections.
“After participating in our wellbeing and digital skills activities, we refer them on to Newcastle Library's eight-week IT course. This initiative allows them to continue building their digital skills and offers opportunities to volunteer in future cohorts, which is incredibly beneficial when looking to re-join the workforce."