The Aneurin Leisure Trust is continuing to resume its services with Libraries offering an appointment only service for their IT resources, and Adult Community Learning courses will be starting as of 14th September 2020.
The 'call and collect' service for libraries has proven popular amongst residents and the resuming of IT services is hoped to provide those who need it the most with essential support to computer access to enable them to look for employment, access essential services and benefits and learning support. This service will initially be available at the libraries in Ebbw Vale, Abertillery, Tredegar and Brynmawr, by appointment only.
Adult Community Learning courses are again proving very popular given the disruption to learners' education since March this year. Priority has been given to learners whose learning ceased due to lockdown in March. In addition, to ensure the safeguarding of all our learners and staff, the first session will be an induction on how to stay safe within adult community learning including the need for social distancing, adherence to one-way systems throughout the centres and the importance of regular hand washing and hand sanitising.
In addition, a blended learning approach is being implemented and two Welsh Government Grants have been received to provide new PC’s in all four ICT suites and to purchase laptops and iPads to assist with adopting a blended learning approach. For details on how to enrol on a course please contact Ebbw Value Learning Action Centre.
Councillor Joanne Collins, Blaenau Gwent Council’s Executive Member for Education commented:
“We know that Covid-19 has had an impact on schools and young learners but it is also had an equal impact on adult learners. So this really is great news for adult learners who are now able to access a wide range of courses. Access to IT equipment in libraries is also a valuable service and will be a great help to job seekers in particular as the economy starts to recover.
The safety of service users is vital and we will use the procedures of the Government’s Test Trace Protect Strategy to provide added reassurance.”
Phill Sykes, Director of Operations for the Aneurin Leisure Trust said:
"We're delighted that our services are beginning to get back to normal during the pandemic. Initially we'll be offering an hour slot for each customer per week, from 7th September, which can be made by telephoning their local library. We hope to extend this service further once the initial phase has been tried and tested and our procedures are working to ensure the safety of our customers and colleagues. We fully appreciate the importance of these resources to our customers and the essential benefit it provides to those who do not have computer access at home.
Our Adult Community Learning courses uptake has been exceptional and we're confident we can provide our high standard of education in a safe and secure environment."
For more information go to www.aneurinleisure.org.uk