Case studies- consultancy services
Project: Speakers of Bromley
Area: Bromley
Funding: £8,975 (2004-05) and £8,200 (2005-06)
Funding body: Living Learning Grant
Speakers of Bromley provided beneficiaries with a project which developed their digital media skills, involving how to use a video camera, downloading video footage, editing and creating DVD structures and still photography.
Through a Living Learning grant the project recruited 27 males and eight females. 15 were aged 16-24, ten were aged 25-49 and eight were aged 50 and over. Most had been unemployed for 12-36 months. The project recruited learners from a range of target groups; six BAME people, two refugees, 17 disabled people, four ex-offenders and two homeless people.
The link organisation Bromley Adult Education College, provided assistance with lesson plans, educational techniques in motivating learners, as well as setting aims and objectives. Training commenced in April 2005 and finished in September 2005.
Since the project, all beneficiaries have reported an increase in self confidence and esteem, whilst 25 have gained full time employment. Four beneficiaries are volunteering, one is working part time, and three learners have progressed onto further training or education.
Speakers of Bromley delivered their second Living Learning project with the same link organisation for 40 learners, whilst still continuing to support the beneficiaries from their first project. The organisation decided to deliver video skills training again, as they found that many learners requested this type of skills training. All learners reported an increase in confidence and practical skills.
The opportunity to run both Living Learning projects has been good publicity for the organisation. Speakers of Bromley are now assisting other organisations with capacity building and advising on social enterprise start up.