Community Learning Success

Blackpool Coastal Housing has been working hard to achieve its vision of ‘inspiring people to build better communities’ by adopting new and innovative approaches to assist residents into work and training. In collaboration with Blackpool and The Fylde College, the Community Learning programme was launched to provide functional skills courses in the heart of our local communities by using our estate-based community centres.

Since the project launched in October 2016, over 20 customers have gained qualifications in a range of subjects, including English, Maths, Employability and Caring for Children. The project was set up to develop a way of helping our customers to access free training opportunities by removing some of the barriers they face such as travel costs and child care issues.

By working in partnership with the College, our Community Learning project has helped over 20 residents gain qualifications, ranging from Entry Level 1 to Level 1. The project has been a resounding success, and testament to this is the learners who, at the start of the courses were unable to read and write, have developed these skills in a short space of time.

This project has provided a number of additional positive outcomes – one learner has gained part time employment and is now equipped with the confidence to seek further job opportunities. Others have moved onto further study at the College or are volunteering within their local community.

Two of our learners on the English and Maths courses were recently shortlisted for the Student of the Year award at Blackpool and The Fylde College’s Access and Continuing Education Awards Day held in June. Ann Jones and Paul Naylor were both recognised for their commitment in attending the courses and their willingness to learn.

Caroline Lamprey, Involvement and Communications Manager for Blackpool Coastal Housing, said; “In sharing very similar vision and values, the success of the project lies in the effective partnership working between Blackpool Coastal Housing and Blackpool and The Fylde College.
“We recognise the value of learning in the community and see it as creating a pathway into the college, to employment as well as helping someone to better access the community in which they live. I’m very proud of our learners and the work the partnership has achieved over the past 9 months.”

Wendy Hirst, Curriculum Manager in Access and Continuing Education at B&FC, said: “It was a pleasure to partner with Blackpool Coastal Housing to deliver a functional skills in the community programme and see the impact that has had for many residents.

“The project helped service-users gain valuable English and maths skills and has seen a number of them receive recognised qualifications, while all of them benefitted from developing their skills and confidence.

“Some students came to class at the start of the programme unable to read and write and were able to build those skills over the duration. Other students improved their confidence to such an extent they now feel comfortable in taking part in group discussions.

“These students overcame significant barriers by attending the classes and it was wonderful to see their confidence growing every week.

“We plan to continue with this successful programme and incorporate employability skills – to help support these students to get back into employment.”