6th November 2014
Unemployed residents in Copeland will continue to benefit from free computer use thanks to £37,500 of funding from Nuclear Management Partners (NMP), the owners of Sellafield Ltd.
The NMP Community Fund grant, administered by Cumbria Community Foundation, has enabled the Phoenix Enterprise Centre (PEC) to continue its ‘Access Copeland’ project. The initiative provides free computer drop in sessions for anyone seeking work. It aims to combat two of the issues some unemployed people face; not having access to a computer or the internet and not having the confidence to operate a computer.
Each drop in centre is manned by qualified advice and guidance workers. Not only do they give ICT training, they also help jobseekers in areas such as writing CVs and creating email accounts.
Gary McKeating, NMP Head of Socio-economics, said: “NMP is delighted to support the Phoenix Enterprise Centre to continue its fantastic work in helping local people find jobs. The services it provides are successfully supporting people back to work. We are proud to sponsor initiatives like this which operate in the heart of our communities, providing opportunities for everyone living in West Cumbria.”
Joanne Crowe, Operations Manager at Phoenix Enterprise Centre said: “This funding will ensure that at least 400 unemployed Copeland residents will be able to get supported access to the internet in order to find jobs. NMP’s funding will bring positive benefits to some of the most vulnerable in our communities and will allow them to compete equally for jobs in this digital age.”
Willie Slavin, Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation’s West Cumbria Grants Panel said: “As the world becomes more digital, the vulnerable often get left behind. Jobseekers are now expected to have an email address, a suitable CV and registered on Jobmatch website.
The money from the NMP Community Fund has allowed PEC to develop and extend its Advice and Guidance Team giving more unemployed people computer access and training, ensuring they meet DWP requirements and avoid any sanctions or loss of benefit.”
Drop in sessions are held every weekday in the following areas:
Monday: Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project 10am – 3pm
Tuesday: Phoenix Enterprise Centre 9am – 4pm
Wednesday: Phoenix Enterprise Centre 9am – 4pm
Thursday: Phoenix Enterprise Centre 9am – 4pm and The De Lucy Centre 10am – 4pm
Friday: Seathwaite Centre Mirehouse 10am – 4pm
If you would like to know more about the project, call Phoenix Enterprise Centre on 01946 813555.
The NMP Community Fund is still open for applications. Call Annalee Holliday, Grants and Donor Services Officer at Cumbria Community Foundation on 01900 825760 for more information.