 BIAS and Safe Start share a long and successful tradition of partnership working and in the past year this partnership became even stronger. It is true to say that migration from Ireland has reduced in recent years, however, many young people are still arriving at our doors in Brent. There are also large numbers of second generation and mixed race Irish youth needing support, guidance and accommodation. Safe Start provided a home and a culturally sensitive service to some of our most vulnerable young clients who would otherwise be left roofless and misunderstood. To be understood and to be given an opportunity means so much to our clients and at BIAS we are very thankful to Safe Start for affording some of our clients this opportunity.
BIAS provides a range of advice, information and specialist support services aimed at improving the position of Irish people in need in Brent primarily and London generally.
Partnership work is vital to both our organisations and we look forward to forging even stronger links in the forthcoming year by developing satellite and specialist surgeries in Safe Starts new premises in Wembley.
Karen McHugh, Director of BIAS |
Yet another successful year for the Safe Start Learn Direct Centre at the Foyer.
During the academic year 2005/06 we:
- enrolled 500 learners
- awarded 40 European Computer
- Driving Licence passes presented 45 National Certificates in Literacy and Numeracy
- The Centre has plans to build on this success and offer a learning service that is focused on improving the work skills of local people.
To support this aim Barnet College have appointed an extra member of staff.
The Centre has become accredited to offer NVQs in Customer Service and IT and will start to offer this accreditation to employees within the Retail, Health and social care employment sectors.
Christine Wiseman,
Senior Learn Direct Facilitator, Barnet College |
