Member Article

Residents get on-line with Coast & Country

A new computer skills centre, aimed at giving people easy access to the internet, training with computers and guidance on funding and benefits, has been launched by Coast & Country.

The housing company, which focuses on creating a better future for its residents, has set up a UK On-line Centre at its Westfield Farm community resource centre in Dormanstown.

Iain Sim, Chief Executive of Coast & Country, one of the largest regeneration and housing companies in the North East, said: “We’re very excited about this.

“More than 60 percent of our tenants don’t have access to the internet. We want to ensure as many of our tenants as possible tap into the practical benefits of the internet – such being able to save money by researching and obtaining cheaper deals online.

“In addition, those looking for work, will be able to easily search and apply for jobs or see what training and courses are available while others can research the benefits to which they may be entitled.”

UK On-line has a network of centres throughout the country and runs its own courses, and well as offering learning resources from partners including the BBC and Digital Unite. Its gateway website has been designed as a ‘one-stop shop’ for new internet users, where they can get the best possible start to their online life.

Coast & Country also is recruiting digital champions from among its residents – who will staff a drop-in service for people at the farm offering friendly advice and introducing them to email and navigating around websites.

TV’s Fairy Jobmother, Hayley Taylor, who is a patron of Westfield Farm, said: “Access to the internet is vital for people as they seek jobs. Many jobs these days involve email applications and online form-filling.

“The UK On-line centre at Westfield Farm, therefore, will help many more people find employment. As a patron of Westfield Farm, I am very proud of how Coast & Country is expanding and adding to the facilities at this fantastic community resource centre.

“There is so much talent out there among the Coast & Country residents. I know, I’ve met them. And remember, it’s not just a one way thing - employers need the best people in these hard times.”

The internet initiative is the latest development at Westfield Farm, which is now a major resource centre for local people.

Coast & Country’s Westfield Farm is a thriving hub of activity, offering training, meeting and conference facilities. It also provides a base for the Working Communities Team which is made up of nine Jobcentre Plus staff working alongside Coast & Country and Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s Routes to Employment Team.

The converted farm also has community gardens and allotments.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Recognition PR Business Team .