learning communities county conference

Lorraine Palmer – Learning Communities Project ManagerJanuary 26th 2012

What are we trying to achieve?Joining up at a local level utilising the “centre” as a

Learning Community Hub.Providing access to a wide range of information and

activity in the communityPutting the individual at the centre of policy making in

their area.Raising self esteem.Changing the mind set of the non learner.Helping individuals back into employment.Engaging with local employers, strategic partners and

community groups.

Learning Community AreasCurrently working Gainsborough, Lincoln, Boston

Grantham, Spalding, Skegness, and Mablethorpe.Currently mapping North Kesteven, Caistor, Market

Rasen, Horncastle and Louth.With a view to influencing agendas such as Social

Exclusion, Neighbourhood Re-generation and working closely with Priority Intervention Areas as identified by the IMD

What have we achieved?Good networking relationshipsSharing KnowledgePartnership DeliveryBeing involved in wider range of activityA wider audience of Learners Make connections to support the supply of the

services which help people move on in their lives.

Issued Raised and TackledLack of activity for teenagersLitteringCrime Personnel FinancesBenefits AdviceActivities relating to healthCommunity Food LardersResources

ContinuedFacilitated introductions for new Credit Union

Collection points and not just focus on loans but saving!

Encouraging responses to ConsultationsSuch as the Child Poverty Needs Assessment which closes on the 31st January.

One to Watch Out for!!!A LITTLE BIT OF HELP:

A CONSULTATION PAPER ON A

BIG SOCIETY STRATEGY

FOR

LINCOLNSHIRE

COUNTY COUNCIL

Due out mid February.

PartnershipsLocal Strategic Meetings with a wide range of

partners includingJob Centre Plus Work ProgrammeCitizens Advice BureauCredit UnionCouncillors SurgeriesVolunteer Bureau’sArea Partnerships/Neighbourhood Management

Teams

Facts and FiguresWithin the hubs an increase in the number of people

accessing servicesWe have over 3000 Learning Club members The first contract delivered in partnership had 600

learners engaged.Majority of network deliver PCDL coursesWorking in partnership with Enable.Many Centres offer Job Search facilities and help with

CV’sJob Centre Plus supportPartners delivering in each other premises

Strategic FitCurrent climate Employability skillsUp Skilling individualsCommunity cohesion and social inclusionValue for MoneyProjects delivering target outcomes

What can we get better at!Sharing information and looking at as many options

as possible to tender in partnership Ask for help - utilise other peoples expertise.Value for Money – we do it well but can we improveJoint purchasing agreements?MarketingShouting about our achievements!Press releases

A Voice!!!Third Sector Learning AllianceEmployment and Skills BoardParticipation in the current round of Scrutiny PanelsParticipation in the Child Poverty Needs Assessment

A respected voice for community delivery with the power to influence decisions.