Winfield is an IT training project specialising in supporting adults with mental health needs to learn IT skills. It is run by United Response and there are currently four training venues in Kent.
The first project began in March 1997, offering people the support they needed to gain new skills and rebuild their lives. A unique project at the time, it was founded by Sandra Shober who had witnessed the damaging effect of mental illness within her own family.
How it works
People are referred to us by a variety of mental health teams and professionals. The referral means people can access training and achieve nationally recognised qualifications in IT. All our staff are fully trained IT teachers with a wide range of experience in supportive environments.
Typically, clients attend an interview either on their own or with the support of a professional. Tutors take this time to discuss that person’s needs, aspirations and previous learning in detail. Each client’s needs are evaluated and an individual induction into the centre is agreed.
The need for a caring and supportive environment has always been central to the service. Because of this, people often find they are able to learn better. This, in turn gives people an opportunity to re-enter the job market. People gain confidence and can update their skills and knowledge.
The Winfield centres provide an environment for people to learn in a way that suits them. People are able to work at their own pace which takes away the pressure to complete training within a given amount of time.
Whilst training is done on an individual basis, the clients are still part of a group and this gives them an opportunity to develop life skills, such as communication, listening and social skills.
These are important skills for the world of work.
What training can people do?
Winfield offers a range of Level One and Level Two courses and can train people across a range of industry standard software including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher and the Internet.
People can take qualifications as a result of this training and the centre boasts a pass rate of approximately 60%. We are now actively involved with other partners in a combined approach to supporting people back to work.
Tutors take time to work with each student after they have taken an exam, to discuss future learning plans and feedback.
The age range of people using the services currently ranges from 19 to 87 years old. The centres support a total of 200 adults each week.
Testimonials
Sandra Hall, manager of the Chatham centre says:
“Everyone has different reasons for attending Winfield. Some people want to brush up or acquire new skills using the courses as stepping stones to voluntary or paid work. Others simply need the boost in confidence and self-esteem that learning a new skill brings and may move on from here to study at a mainstream college. Others use it as a way of gaining skills which they will then use in everyday life.”
Warwick Owen, who has attended the college says his confidence levels have improved since the training. Read his story
Find out more
To find out more about Winfield, go to www.winfieldcomputing.org.uk
