“Our vision is to establish a learning community across Hyndburn, which promotes opportunity, equality, employment and social inclusion for all.”
Collaboration needs to be at the centre of all we do if change is to be effected across Hyndburn. Collaboration is already developing between many partner organisations. Therefore, the delivery of the action plan for this theme will be achieved by:
• The establishment of an LSP Education and Lifelong Learning group with all ‘key players’ represented;
• Greater sharing of targets, plans and resources between agencies and individuals;
• More joint planning which provides better information for learners and potential learners;
• Listening to the voice of learners and non-learners and addressing their concerns;
• Strengthening the capacity of the voluntary and community sector to deliver learning opportunities.
Core partners in the Education and Lifelong Learning Working Group for LSP are:
Accrington & Rossendale College; Age Concern; Connexions; Hyndburn Borough Council; Hyndburn & Ribble Valley CVS; Lancashire Education Authority; LCC Adult Education Service; Lancashire Learning and Skills Council; North Lancs Training Group; Primary Head Teacher; Secondary Head Teacher; Social Care Project; Sure Start and the Youth and Community Service.
The intention of the Education and Lifelong Learning Working Group of the LSP is to create links between all those employers, agencies and individuals who have a role to play in increasing the educational and learning opportunities for and with the local population. It is intended that each agency and individual represented will have a clear understanding of their own role and that of others in the lifelong learning arena.
Community and voluntary organisations also play an important part in this area. They too are providing informal and formal training. This can build individual confidence to continue into further education in order to gain qualifications, leading to higher self-esteem, raised aspirations and access to employment.
Accrington and Rossendale College is actively involved in the delivery of the Community Strategy in Hyndburn. The College along with our key partners has taken the lead on a number of locally based initiatives. For example:
• The Local Learning Plan – a research project into the training needs of those involved in neighbourhood renewal. This research will be followed with appropriate training opportunities for all.
• Employer Research – a piece of research which identified the skills and experience that local employers required from their work force. This will enable learning providers to meet the needs of employers whilst at the same time enabling those looking for employment more chance of success
• Production of a Directory of Hyndburn Community Venues – a booklet that lists and describes the community buildings in the four priority wards of Hyndburn.
• Capacity Building in Hyndburn – a collaborative project that supported a number of community organisations in refurbishing buildings as well as supporting volunteers through training programmes.
• Local Learning Practice – an initiative that involves a local GP practice. The focus is on developing learning opportunities for patients on healthy lifestyles.
The key contact for the Education and Lifelong Learning LSP Working Group is Ms Lynda Mason of Accrington and Rossendale College on 01254 389933 or at lmason@accross.ac.uk
