Community project is a hive of activity
07 Mar 2019 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
A special celebratory open day was held in Blyth to mark the two year anniversary and new home of the Newsham Learning Hive.
The Learning Hive has been relocated to Newsham Pavilion and is open two days a week providing free support to help local residents develop their employment skills and access financial advice.
It is run in partnership between Northumberland County Council and the Northern Learning Trust.
Residents living in Newsham and the wider area can take advantage of free IT facilities at twice weekly drop in sessions where they can receive support searching for jobs, with CV and application writing, developing their interview skills and learning basic IT skills. They can also receive financial advice and help with online benefit and universal credit applications.
Since its launch two years ago the Hive has helped over 150 people to obtain new skills and qualifications, of which 44 people have gone on to find employment.
Northumberland County Councillor Veronica Jones, cabinet member with responsibility for adult wellbeing and health said: “The Learning Hive was developed after the council’s Resident Involvement Team surveyed people in the area to find out what help the community needed.
“Improving residents’ employment prospects can be the first step in giving people the confidence to change their lives for the better. This is a fantastic free service which has made a real difference to so many people.”
Gill Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Learning Trust that delivers the training said:
“ Newsham Hive is a fantastic example of successful partnership working. By working together Northumberland County Council Housing team and Northern Learning Trust have created a welcoming and supportive place where local people can develop the skills they need to make progress in their lives. They can learn how to use computers, develop employability skills and get careers guidance and financial advice on their doorsteps. It’s a great asset to the community.”
The project is part of Newsham Matters , a project that offers residents in the Newsham area of Blyth with a range of services including a weekly craft group, First Aid courses and help with improving IT skills and job searches.
The Hive is open every Tuesday 9am - 2.30pm and Thursday 9am - 2pm. For further information contact: Northern Learning Trust on 0191 2710131 or email : enquiries@northernlearningtrust.org.uk