PCHA's Supported Housing team identified a need for vulnerable tenants to receive basic computer training in a bid to introduce them to communication and information finding skills on computers and the Internet. Together with the Genesis IT training department, a free 6 week IT course specifically for residents was devised.

Following on from the success of this course, the PCHA Resident Involvement team organised a course for other residents, covering the basic principles of IT which included email, using the Internet, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word and much more. Both pilot schemes were immensely successful, demonstrated by the enthusiasm of the tenants and the 100% attendance rate.

Following a well structured learning plan based on principles of one to one learning, absolute beginners were transformed into confident computer users, interested in learning more about computers and the Internet.

Following the organisation of the IT courses this year, the Supported Housing team and the Resident Involvement team at PCHA hope to provide further IT training for residents next year.

The next free course for residents takes place on Friday 26 October 2007. "Making the most of yourself" focuses on communication skills, public speaking and assertiveness. For further information contact the Paula Forrester and Julie Haughton, Resident Involvement Officers on: 020 8150 4512.