Editor's choice May 2007

Jericho Centre Empowers Local Artists

A recent project made possible through funding from Barclays Bank has enabled the Jericho Centre on Edward Road to offer a new direction to would-be unemployed artisans. Through working with the long-term unemployed, the centre provides workshops to find solutions for producing craft based products. The overall aim of the scheme is to enable individuals to set-up their own craft based businesses.

Chief Executive, Eric Douglas, said, “The aim of this project is to deliver a service to the local community which will inspire possible future entrepreneurs. It also acts as a means of boosting both confidence and self esteem”.

Skills Development

The Jericho Centre was established in 1993 as an outreach project, with the aim being to serve the local community by offering information, support, and advice and guidance towards training, education and employment. One of the programmes the centre provides, in partnership with Job Centre Plus, targets skills development as a means of overcoming unemployment.

The ‘Skills Coaching Programme’ seeks to address skill weaknesses that individuals have as a means of offering direction. Once the skills that need developing have been identified, staff at the centre help to find possible further education courses. As well as helping with career advice, the centre provide assistance with organising interviews and if needed support with finding funding for crèches. The initiative is based upon referrals and is open to lone parents, people on incapacity benefit and those on Job Seekers Allowance. As well as detecting people’s needs, the centre holds drop in sessions between 11am and 4pm on Wednesdays, and by appointment at other times.

NEET

The ‘Not Engaged Educational Training’ programme targets young people who are not in education, training or employment or who are at risk of exclusion. Through using art based activities and music sessions the project aims to promote self-development and skills progression. By improving confidence and self-esteem, the centre helps to guide the young people into making positive decisions about their own future.

Youth Provision

As well as the NEET initiative, the centre delivers youth club activities on Thursday evenings between 5 and 8pm for both boys and girls aged between 11 and 18 years of age. The sessions provide a chance to be involved in art-based activities, games, tabletop football and volleyball.

If you would like to find out more about the services that the Jericho Centre have to offer, then ring 446 4258.