Community Learning Fund & NLDC conference management

The CLF and NLDC Conference: Celebrating and Planning Excellence, showcased the high quality programmes delivered during the year and offered a range of workshops around funding, creative consultation and volunteering.

Further information:
The Community Learning Fund (CLF) was developed in 2003 building upon the Adult & Community Learning Service's proud history of working with the voluntary and community sector in Staffordshire. In this short time much has been achieved including supporting groups to develop innovative and successful strategies to engage with non-traditional learners.

Since 2004, over 2500 adults from disadvantaged communities or facing multiple barriers to learning have enjoyed a bespoke learning opportunity. From Tunstall to Tamworth, Leek to Lichfield and everywhere in between, programmes have taken place in over 100 venues. From DIY to sugar-craft, caring skills to healthy-living, the range of subjects reflects the learners' participation in choosing their first-step into learning.

In 2005, the CLF welcomed Stoke-on-Trent City Council and 'Learnability' as partners to the project, making funding available to groups operating in Stoke-on-Trent. During 2005/06 over 1000 learners benefited from a CLF funded introductory programme, of which over 200 participated in a programme aiming to improve language, literacy and numeracy skills.

The 2006/07 CLF provides new opportunities to reach new-learners, particularly adults seeking to improve their language, literacy and numeracy skills and supporting progression onto further opportunities. Also, for the first time, the CLF will be providing training for voluntary and community groups in managing and delivering learning. As in previous years, the continued support of Staffordshire's voluntary and community groups and the project steering group will ensure another successful year.

To view the conference summary, click on this link