The life and times of a lifelong learning officer

new courses

noreply@blogger.com (DebZzzz) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:22:00 +0000

On Monday 20th April 09 we have IT for the confused beginners at 9:30 a.m., English and Maths at 1:00 p.m. and our new Crafty Friends Group at 3:00 p.m. where you can learn or teach crafts such as knitting, sewing, crotchet, jewellery making, etc.

On Tuesday 23 March 09 at 12:30 there is Selling On Line beginning where you will learn all you need to know about buying and selling online, how to upload photographs of goods for sale, internet safety, setting up a paypal account and so on.

Tuesday 21st April at 9:30 a.m. we have Using your Digital Camera work work, rest or play!!Whether you use your camera in a work or fun capacity, come along and learn how to use all the functions on your camera, practice and take some fun happy snaps in class, and upload to the computer and learn how to save and store your memories.

Again on a Tuesday, the 24th March at 5:30 p.m we have PC Maintainence where you will learn over 8 weeks how to solve diagnostic problems, add extra RAM and basically pull your computer apart and know how to put it back together again!!

And brand new and exiting we have the SOCIAL NETWORKING CLASS starting on Wednesday 22 April 09 from 12:30 - 3;00 pm for 6 weeks. In this new class you can learnhow to find reliabe information on the internet, Support children online, Online shopping, Online banking & financeIts all useful info, What is social networking? Facebook, Flickr and Yuotube.

Student Winners

noreply@blogger.com (DebZzzz) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:34:00 +0000

At the Action Resource Centre, the Photoshop 3 students were set an assignment by their DACE tutor Brian Morris to design an invitation to our community Christmas celebration event.......

The class set off to work on their designs and within a 2 hour class they completed thier work. And here are two of the winners who will now have this work printed back to back for the flyers which will be sent out to the Portmead, Blaenymaes, Penplas and surrounding areas - they were Karen Edwards and Maralyn McKenna.... well done to both.
The even is on 12th December from 11- 3 with Portmead and Blaenymaes school choirs doing some carol singing along with our own songwriting group, who will be performing their first 'gig'. 3 DACe tutors will be doing ICT workshop session, there will be a 'skype' session and the launch of our ability net disability equipment. A raffle will also take place and there will be a lovely buffet lunch provided by Cafe ARC.

Play Champion

noreply@blogger.com (DebZzzz) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:29:00 +0000

Earlier in November Debbie Jones was presented with a trophy and certificate for work done with the City and County of Swansea Play Team, as a 'Play Champion' along with 3 others in the group.

Picture here the play champions with Lord Mayor Cllr Gareth Sullivan at the Mansion House, Swansea

noreply@blogger.com (DebZzzz) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:22:00 +0000

Students from the Action Resource Centre had a proud moment on Saturday 29th November 2008 when they attended the graduation ceremony at Swansea's University of Wales. For their achievements in the field of Information Technology Foundation Certificate, pictured here are some of the graduated students... Jean Powell, Maureen Thomas, Seleh Chege and Joanne Fitzgerald pictured with Lisa Watkins and Debbie Jones, staff from the ARC and tutor Georgina Hayman, who also graduated.

Michael Powis, Elaine Quinn, Cath McCormack also graduated in absento.

Basic Skills

noreply@blogger.com (DebZzzz) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:57:00 +0000

Hi everyone
Normally the basic skills courses end during the summer holidays and recommence in September. This year the Lifelong Learning department have had funding to continue their service with us through the summer holidays. Please can you pass on this information to anyone you may feel benefit. Even if people are attending basic skills in other venues, they may feel that they could benefit from attending extra classes during the summer with us.

The class is every Monday from 1 – 3 p.m. and anyone can drop in to attend. An assessment is completed on arrival to see what level to work at and then continue to work at their own pace. The subjects are Maths and English – entry level, up to Level 3.

Also we have an IT beginners class commencing on July 28th for 4 weeks, FREE of charge. Times: 10 – 12:30 p.m.
For further information feel free to contact me.Debbie Jones
Senior Community Development Officer(01792) 578632 / 07825178320
www.bpptrust.org http://dcn-project.co.uk
http://lll-arc.blogspot.com

Community Progression Courses At the ARC

noreply@blogger.com (DebZzzz) — Wed, 28 May 2008 11:52:00 +0000

New taster sessions starting soon at the ARC, 45 Broughton Avenue as follows:

Business Studies & Work preparation 4 weeks taster starting on 16th June 08 from 1 - 3 pm.

History 4 week taster starting on 16th June 08 from 10 am - 12 pm

Sustainbility - learn to be green :)
At the New Drop In Centre, 88 Blaenymaes Drive
4 week taster starts at 10 am on 11th June.

For further details contact Debbie on 01792 578632

Swansea ICT Map

noreply@blogger.com (DebZzzz) — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:17:00 +0000

Do you want to know more about facilities in your area?

http://www.swanseaictmap.co.uk/ is to be launched on July 1st by XLWales at the National Waterfront Museum. There will be a range of activities on throughout the day between 11 - 3 p.m.

XL Wales are working with gorups in the local community and have developed an online map showing ICT resources, faciliteis and training in Communities First areas across Swansea.

This project has been funded by Communities@One - for further information or to get involved in the day contact Clare Fry at clare@xlwales.org.uk

Adult Learners Week

noreply@blogger.com (DebZzzz) — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:03:00 +0000

Today at the ARC we had a free taster session of SKYPE for Adult Learners Week. We set up our laptops with webcams and headsets and gave demonstrations on how to use skype, the benefits and then let people have some fun with contacting eachother in the room. Over 20 people came along and had a laugh in the process. Great stuff... so download skype now on http://www.skype.com/ for details and set yourself up with an account and chat for free with other skype users. Its great if you have family living away - both of you download skype and you can see eachother on cam, talk like a phone line all for free.

National Botanical Gardens Carmarthen

noreply@blogger.com (DebZzzz) — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:28:00 +0000

Community Progression (Swansea Univeristy) today held their meeting at the beautiful Botanical Gardens in Carmarthen. Here are some pictures from our lovely day.

New courses at the ARC

noreply@blogger.com (DebZzzz) — Tue, 06 May 2008 11:30:00 +0000

Hi everyone, I just want to let you know of some of the University courses that are coming up over the next week or so. If you are interested please email or call me on 578632, to book your place or to get further information.
MONDAYCreating a slideshow of photos (power point part 2) 19th May 2008 at 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Flash Animation 12th May 2008 at 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAYIntroduction to Powerpoint (part 1) 14th May 2008 at 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Working with digital images 14th May 2008 at 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Skype taster day for adult learners week – ONE OFF SESSION ONLY – 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
THURSDAYCapturing lives (power point part 3) 8th May 2008 at 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
FRIDAYWord & File Management (suitable for beginners) 9th May 2008 at 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Internet and Email 9th May 2008 at 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
(Location – The ARC, 45 Broughton Avenue, Portmead, Swansea SA5 5JS)

Flash Animation

noreply@blogger.com (DebZzzz) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:22:00 +0000

New 8 week course starting 9th May 08 at 5:30 p.m. in the ARC, 45 Broughton Avenue, Portmead. Flash Animation is a new subject suitable for people who are reasonabley literate on the pc. For further details call Debbie on 578632

New courses

noreply@blogger.com (DebZzzz) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:44:00 +0000

Starting this Thursday we have a new course on called 'Capturing Lives' - it is like digital story telling. In order to do this you need to be compitant in power point and creating a slide show of photos. For further details contact Debbie on 578632.
It starts on May 1st at 9:30 a.m.for 8 weeks.

Discover your family history at Penlan Library

noreply@blogger.com (DebZzzz) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:57:00 +0000

Come and join the coffee morning on Wednesday 12th March from 10:00 - 12:00 for the free introductory course. For further details contact jodi.jones@swansea.gov.uk at Penlan Library.

Fun Run for Sam

noreply@blogger.com (DebZzzz) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 12:39:00 +0000

Its Mothers Day - but I got up bright and early to go and watch Nicky and Owen take part in the fun run which is to raise money to support and motivate Nicky's mate Sam, who was involved in an accident which left him paralised. They started at 9:30 this morning at Mumbles Pier and run to ynystawe Cricket ground. I met them at County Hall - and what a sight... lovely to see Nicky in his FAME suit - he was about 5 mins in front of Owen - well done

boys!!!!

New Course at the ARC

noreply@blogger.com (DebZzzz) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:50:00 +0000

Desktop Publishing is an 8 week course starting March 3rd which is useful to learn how to make business and greeting cards, calenders and newsletters. If anyone is interested come along at 12:30 p.m. this coming Monday.

Current Courses

noreply@blogger.com (DebZzzz) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:19:00 +0000

Monday
9:30 – 12:00 Internet & Email (28.1.08) Powerpoint (14.4.08) 8 week accredited courses.
9:30 – 11:30 English for Speakers of other languages (ESOL) continuous blocks of 10 week sessions.
1:00 - 3:00 Pre GCSE Maths and English (Basic Skills)
5:30 - 8:00 Design Elements of Web (14.1.08) 2D Animation (28.4.08) 8 week accredited courses.

Tuesday
9:30 – 12:00 Selling on line (19.2.08) 8 week accredited course.
12:30 -3:00 Internet and email (29.1.08) First steps to family history (date TBC) 8 week accredited courses.
5:30 – 8:00 Back up and Burn (22.1.08) Use your pc effectively (22.4.08)
9:30 – 11:30 English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) continuous blocks of 10 week sessions.
6:00 – 7:30 Tai Chi (continuous)

Wednesday
9:30 – 2:00 IT for ESOL students (2.4.08) 5 week course
1:30 – 4:00 PC surgery (continuous) FREE pc repair/upgrades/installations etc

Thursday
9:30 – 12:00 Intro to powerpoint (31.108) 8 week accredited course.
12:30 – 3:00 Word & File Management (21.2.08) Digital Camera (Date TBC) 8 week accredited course.

Play Champion

noreply@blogger.com (DebZzzz) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 09:27:00 +0000

As a result of working with Bridging the Policy Gap and Swansea's Play Stratergy - the next step has been to have a meeting to look at 'Play Champions' and whether or not there is a need for them, and if so, what is the role of the champion?
Would a play champion be someone to be the middle man as a voice for children, to pass their ideas, concerns etc onto the authorities or would it be someone that promotes play and raises awareness of the importance of play? We came up with many ideas of what kind of person a champion would be... but if you have any ideas or suggestions please leave your comments.

Annual Leave this week

noreply@blogger.com (DebZzzz) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:58:00 +0000

chillin out on annual leave this week as its half term so me and my little un are looking back on old photos and video clips. I have added some to my blog and updated flickr.

And I have nearly finished all 7 Harry Potter books. Absolutely brilliant!!!

Trip to Glasgow

noreply@blogger.com (DebZzzz) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:31:00 +0000

Last Thursday a group of 11 of us went to Glasgow for the final conference of Bridging the Policy Gap. This was a really interesting conference, where participants from Glasgow, London Borough of Newham and the City & County of Swansea were able to talk and share experiences about the projects they have been involved in.
Swansea was involved in re-writing the play strategy, the London Borough of Newham looked at employment access for disabled people and Glasgow focused on the Working for Families Fund.
There were Ministers from Scotland and UK listening to what our experiences have been and I had to get up on the platform to say what my experience was. For me to have grass roots communtiy members, working on policies with business, council and voluntary sector organisations and government ministers, is the best way forward, as the people at the top are able to listen and experience what real life people face on benefits, living in poverty, facing unemployment, being unable to access services and the correct benefits - this process has really made them sit up and listen. Also, for the 3 cities to share their experiences and work together, visiting eachothers projects in the peer reviews was great as we can learn from each other - and it doesnt matter where we live, in what part of the country, we all same to face the same issues.
This was all very educational for me and I have been privaliged to be a part of this process. It is not over, even though it was the final conference, as Swansea's Anti Poverty Department within the City & County of Swansea is moving things forward with a take up campaign being piloted in my area (Blaenymaes) and there will be an event on April 17th (watch this space) and i have also been invited to be 'play champion' and will be attending a meeting next week to find out the role of a play champion.
So it wasnt all about having a free jolly ride on a plane to Glasgow, staying in a posh hotel and eating lush food and going to the pub - but that did help. And even better than that - we shared a plane with all the rugby scots fans on the way home, and we beat them hands down on Saturday - bring on the Grand Slam!!!

Next community development team meeting

noreply@blogger.com (DebZzzz) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:28:00 +0000

Our next community development team meeting will be on:

28th February 2008 with a 12:30 p.m. BUFFET start, followed by our bi-monthly meeting at 1:00 p.m. At this meeting we will be joined by special guests of Morriston Phoenix Choir to talk about what they can offer our community and give us a couple of songs!! Should be really good fun. So come along.

This will be followed at 3:00 p.m. with our PACT meeting - with the Police and Housing dealing with any issues that you wish to bring to their attention.

Blaenymaes Singing Group

noreply@blogger.com (DebZzzz) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:26:00 +0000

i went to Plas Melyn old age complex this afternoon to watch the Blaenymaes singing group give a couple of songs to their very first audience. They sang 2 songs with no backing music, and harmonised very well... they were good. Then they got everyone to join in singing and learning 'sentimental journey'. There was a lovely buffet to follow and chat with the old gents and ladies about life in the past... great fun!!

Take up campaign

noreply@blogger.com (DebZzzz) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:21:00 +0000

Today I attended the 'Take Up Campaign' meeting at the ARC where the room was FULL of service providers who were there to find out about this campaign. Karen Grunhut from the Anti Poverty department of the city and county of Swansea, gave an outline of what all this is about. And basically its about an event that will take place in Blaenymaes Community Centre on 17th April to raise awareness of local residents, to see if they are aware of the services they can access and whether they are in receipt of the right benefits. But it is not just about money, as i said its about accessing services too.
So with all the service providers knowing about what every one else does, and can provide etc. in a directory they can work better in partnership with local residents in Blaenymaes to improve life - so watch this space for further info on the Take Up Campaign!!!

Work out your footprint

noreply@blogger.com (DebZzzz) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:12:00 +0000

At our sustainability workshop yesterday we looked online to calculate our footprints. If every one in the world lived like me - how many planets would we need to get our resources. Its really good fun to to see the seriousness of the issues we face when looking sustainability, recycling, environmental issues, travel and so on... and i should be ashamed of myself as if everyone lived like me we would need 4 planet earths to keep us going.....but, we only have one planet earth so we should treat it well and wisely. Check out www.wwf.org.uk

A new year begins

noreply@blogger.com (DebZzzz) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:54:00 +0000

Happy New Year to you all.
Well 2008 is here and its been a busy time so far and we are only into the first week. I have been busy with the team finalising things for Lottery bid to continue our digital community network projet and secure the 4 existing job... so we hope to send this application off next week.
I have had a meeting with Open College Network as the ARC is to become a registered centre and the staff, once trained, will be delivering OCN courses at a variety of levels in a variety of subjects to attract more new learners. So watch this space!!
The courses in IT are continuing with a range of subjects on offer at the moment, such as Word and File Management, Internet and Email, Digital Camera, Back up and Burn plus more, and we also have our usual English and Maths class, English for Speakers of other languages (ESOL) and a new business studies module commencing tomorrow (Friday 11 Jan) in personnel. Anyone interested come along and join this 7 week class.
At the Drop in centre i have organised a sustainability workshop, which will look at making your centre greener and you will learn about energy efficiency, carbon footpints, recycling and reusing and it is going to be good fun, with a visit thrown in if your good!!
Credit Union is still running every Thursday morning, with my mate Sue as the new volunteer who is loving her voluntary work in their main office in town too. So if you wish to start saving for a rainy day, call in and find out more.
For all the latest things and updates contact Debbie on 578632.

Merry Christmas From BPP Development Trust

noreply@blogger.com (DebZzzz) — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 09:27:00 +0000

All the staff and volunteers from the BPP Development Trust went for Christmas lunch yesterday and an enjoyable time was had by all..... until Michael had a bit of glass in his trifle. Luckily he spotted it before he actually put it in his mouth!!!!

It was great to see a full turn out and Anthony was sitting at the head of the table, smiling to himself, and I asked what was he smiling at, his reply was "I'm just looking down the table thinking how proud i am of you all" - what a lovely thing to say.

I just wish to take this opportunity to wish all readers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and thanks to the Board of Directors for the gift of our dinner. You can see more photos of us all click here