Local community groups benefit from a new training facility offering courses that are accessible to all
19/08/2008
Accessible training
A Capacitybuilders grant of £44,000 has enabled Ellesmere Port and Neston Association of Voluntary and Community Organisations (EPNAVCO) to develop a fully accessible training room and comprehensive programme for its members that includes courses ranging from basic information technology through to visual impairment awareness.
Supporting the frontline
Since its inception in 2004, EPNAVCO has been offering a range of support to organisations working at the frontline in areas characterised by high levels of social exclusion and child poverty.
Building on the existing foundation
Existing services include information and advice on fundraising, support with organisational development, and networking events.
The new training programme provides EPNAVCO with a wider range of resources they can use to assist their members.
Wider range of courses now available
“We can now offer a range of courses, that include first aid, food hygiene, governance, child protection, and presentation skills.
Some of the courses are also accredited - without the Capacitybuilders funding, this would not have been possible'" says Michael Metcalfe, Chief Executive of EPNAVCO.
Off to a flying start
“So far, training has been provided to 230 people from a range of member organisations. Other groups also use the facility for meetings or to deliver their own training.”
Impact on the ground
One organisation that has benefited from the training programme is Community Activities in Neston (CAN), a group running activities for families. EPNAVCO’s volunteer management course had a particularly positive impact on CAN.
Working in the community
“EPNAVCO's support has enabled us to do a lot in the community. Without it we would have been really difficult to carry out the work”, says Zaria Shreef, founder of CAN.
“The training provided has been very flexible. Many of the volunteers are parents so this has been really helpful.”
Fully accessible training facilities
The new training room at EPNAVCO meets the organisations commitments for better access for Deaf and disabled people.
In addition to furniture, laptop computers, and an overhead projection unit, the new training room boasts additional features that make it more accessible such as a hearing loop that enables people with deafness to participate in training.
Opening peoples' minds
As a result, EPNAVCO have developed considerable experience in this area. “Our intention is to open people's minds to the opportunities provided by technology for people with disabilities.
We have even started advising other organisations about this issue”, says Micheal Metcalfe.
Leading by example
EPNAVCO have experienced many benefits. “All of our own staff have been through the training programmes, which has helped them immensely."
Securing additional funding
Also, now that we have the training centre up and running, we have been able to bring in funding from other sources to run training”, says Michael Metcalfe.
