Title :: BITSE (Banbridge IT for the Social Economy)

Programme :: ICT for the Social Economy Sector

Commenced :: December 2004

Value :: £144,031

Measure :: 3.1 Local Economic Initiatives for Developing the Social Economy

Aim :: To support the use of ICT within the social economy sector of the Banbridge District, providing access to hardware, software and training.

Overview ::
The Social Economy Audit compiled by Venture International on behalf of The Bridge Partnership highlighted the need to improve the District’s social economy skills base.

Consequently, Banbridge District Enterprises Limited (BDEL) was tasked with managing a project to meet this need. During the summer of 2005 the BDEL ICT was refurbished and over the coming year a programme of ICT training for the social economy sector will be provided. Social economy and community groups will have the opportunity to hire IT equipment such as computers, laptops, printers, scanners, etc for a small refundable fee. It is envisaged that at the end of the first year BDEL will continue to provide these services as part of their normal business.

Objectives ::

• The development of an ICT suite in the BDEL premises coupled with a “Community Loan Scheme” of personal computers, printers etc to assist in the start up of social economy organisations or enterprises.
• The provision of subsidised training to social economy organisations and their employees and /or volunteers and also to local individuals or organisations considering starting up an enterprise in a target sector

Outputs ::

• Refurbishment of ICT suite.
• Employment of a Co-ordinator.
• Purchase of listed hardware and software.
• Provision of 30 ICT related courses per annum (at least 10 of these being new ICT related courses specifically for the social economy sector).
• Provide 20 social economy organisations and/or group access to ICT equipment and skills development through training.
• 12 networking and/or shared training opportunities for the social economy sector.
• Provision of ICT access/training to 50 individual representatives of disadvantages groups/sectors.
• Provision of training to 30 individuals from social economy sector at least 20 of whom will gain an accredited qualification.
• Consolidation of 5 jobs indirectly through project.
• Ensure that social economy organisations and enterprises have access to affordable ICT equipment, services and training.
• Increase employability, skills and educational attainments of employees and volunteers from the social economy.
• Promotion of the social economy and entrepreneurship.

Quote ::
Providing training and support to the social economy sector enables it to become more sustainable and able to add greater value to the local community. Ciaran Cunningham Manager, Banbridge District Enterprises Limited

Contact ::
Ciaran Cunningham
Manager, Banbridge District Enterprises Limited
T: 028 4066 2260
E: ciaran@bdelonline.com