Skills project to come to an end

The Skills 4 U team

The Skills 4 U project which has helped hundreds of Heywood residents get involved in training and learning is set to finish at the end of the month.

The project offered tailor made courses which were delivered at community centres in Heywood. It was funded by New Heart for Heywood and was delivered in conjunction with Hopwood Hall College, Rochdale Council and Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale.

The aim of the project was to bring about a change in attitude towards learning in Heywood.

The project will stop signing people up this week but will still offer a support service for all those who come to the office.

Part of the legacy of the project is the Skills and Work Champions who were recruited as volunteers to act as positive role models for local residents.

The Champions promoted training and learning and provided valuable local knowledge in order to help the project develop and remain responsive to local needs.

Mina Ahmed, Skills 4 U Project Co-ordinator said: “Working on the project in Heywood has been a really valuable and worthwhile experience and it’s fantastic to see the small changes taking place in peoples lives because of the help and support they received from the team.

“It’s really sad to see the project come to an end as many people have come up to the office to say how much they will miss the team.

“We have achieved a lot in the last two years and helped bring about a positive change in many peoples lives – this is all demonstrated by the many letters and cards of support we have received.

“All members of the team have worked extremely hard and have always gone above and beyond the call of duty to help everyone who has come to the office.

Ms Ahmed concluded: “I would just like to wish the people of Heywood all the very best for the future”