Get Connected, our flagship social inclusion project, has been shortlisted for a prestigious TPAS award.

The initiative, which teaches customers IT and internet skills, was selected out of hundreds of applications for the Best Practice in the Community award in the South Region.

New Get Connected projects are proving a hit with customers at The Bells Project in Hackney as well as residents on The Milton Court Estate in Lewisham, where participants are nearing the end of their initial 8 week course. After this, we match participants with a 'digital mentor' to make sure they continue learning and make computers and the internet part of their everyday life.

Translating learning into real opportunities

Since our pilot in 2010, the project's reach has expanded to include anyone who could benefit from more IT-based learning, particularly those seeking employment. We're working closely with colleagues from our careers and training team, pathways2work, to translate learning into real opportunities for our customers and residents wherever possible.

Rupert, a participant in Lewisham (right) said, "I am eternally grateful for the Get Connected Project. In these times the computer is what we all need to keep us in touch with the present and the future. I've realised that the world has changed and I have to change with it in order to be in with a chance of survival."

Sarah Mbatha, Regional Director said "I'm thrilled that this project is receiving recognition for the important work it is doing, I hope we can scoop the top prize on 6th May."

 

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