Learn Devon learners supporting local businesses in Kingsbridge

Kingsbridge Community Works is supporting Learn Devon learners with learning disabilities

A unique project has been launched by Learn Devon to support traders in Kingsbridge while teaching digital and work skills to their learners with learning disabilities.

Learn Devon, Devon County Council’s adult education service, has used funding from the County Council’s COVID Recovery programme to set up ‘Kingsbridge Community Works’ - a regular flyer that will promote local businesses in Kingsbridge free of charge.

It will feature offers, promotions, key events and businesses, aiming to increase trade in the local area. The flyers will also be printed locally and distributed by the learners to each trader as well as key locations around the town such as libraries, cafes and other areas which are popular with locals.

‘Kingsbridge Community Works’ is supporting ten Learn Devon learners with learning disabilities. Through the project, they will obtain essential digital and work skills as well as gain work experience to enable them to help them find suitable employment.

The leaflet will be designed by the group, choosing colours and fonts to ensure that it is inclusive and works for individuals with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia.

The group is led by tutor Caroline Ross and supported by learning support assistant Maggie Nicholls.

Learn Devon Tutor Caroline said: “I feel really excited about this project as it is a great opportunity for our learners to become more involved in their local community, it enables them to gain some real-life work experience as well as learn new skills in a safe and supportive environment.”

The learners taking part in the ‘Kingsbridge Community Works’ group are delighted to be playing a part in helping local economic recovery.

One of the team, Hollie Thayer Read, from Kingsbridge, said: “It gets us out and about supporting locals and it helps us with our work skills.”

Thomas Janman, from Blackawton, added: “I am a bit nervous about doing something new, but I’m excited and looking forward to getting started. It gives shops a chance to get back on their feet and gives us a chance to find jobs eventually.”

Learn Devon has secured an office space for the project at the Family Advice Support Team’s premises in Kingsbridge, where the group will meet every Tuesday and Thursday during term time.

Local businesses are asked to register their interest by emailing kingsbridgecommunityworks@learndevon.co.uk and quoting ‘free advertising’. The learners will make contact with the businesses and deliver a proof to them before the leaflet gets printed.