Big news! We've been awarded National Lottery Funding. So what's next?

We’re excited to share some fantastic news with you. Our application to the National Lottery Community Fund was successful, and we have been awarded £19,945 to bring our project, Confidence Brewed, to life. This funding will help us launch two cohorts of a specially designed 6-week course aimed at supporting economically inactive individuals. Our goal is to build confidence, improve digital skills, and bring people closer to work and new opportunities.

Let me walk you through what this means for our community and what you can expect next.

What Confidence Brewed is all about

Confidence Brewed is more than just a course. It’s a carefully structured program that helps people who are currently out of work or not actively seeking employment to gain the skills and confidence they need to move forward. The course lasts six weeks and is accredited*, which means participants will receive official recognition for their achievements.

Here’s what the course covers:

• Getting online: Setting up an email address and understanding how to navigate the internet safely.

• Staying safe online: Learning about communication standards and how to protect personal information.

• Basic software skills: Using documents and spreadsheets to complete everyday tasks.

• Job application skills: Creating a CV and covering letter, and registering on job sites.

• Post-course support: Three months of follow-up support to help participants stay on track.

  
  

At the end of the course, each participant will receive a laptop and a completed CV to help them continue their development and get closer to work.

Why digital training matters now

In today’s world, digital skills are essential for almost every job. Many people face barriers because they lack confidence or access to technology. Our project addresses both issues by providing hands-on digital training and the tools needed to succeed.

By focusing on digital skills, we help participants:

• Access online job listings and apply for roles independently.

• Communicate effectively through email and other digital platforms.

• Manage documents and data, which are common requirements in many workplaces.

  
  

This kind of training brings people closer to work by removing the digital divide that often holds them back.

How the funding will make a difference

The National Lottery funding of nearly £20,000 allows us to run two full cohorts of the Confidence Brewed course. This means we can support more people in our community and provide the resources they need to succeed.

Here’s how the funding will be used:

• Purchasing laptops for participants to keep after the course.

• Covering the costs of course materials and accreditation.

• Providing ongoing support for three months after the course ends.

• Staffing and training to deliver the course effectively.

  
  

This investment will create lasting change by equipping people with skills and confidence that open doors to employment and further learning.

What participants can expect from the course

Participants will join a supportive learning environment where they can build skills at their own pace. The course is designed to be practical and relevant, focusing on real-world tasks that help people feel ready for work.

Some examples of what participants will do include:

• Setting up an email account and learning how to use it safely.

• Creating a CV tailored to their experience and goals.

• Practicing how to write a covering letter that stands out.

• Navigating job websites to find suitable roles.

• Using basic software tools to complete everyday tasks.

  
  

After the course, participants will receive a laptop to continue their learning and job search. The three months of post-course support means they won’t be alone as they take the next steps.

How you can get involved or benefit

If you or someone you know could benefit from Confidence Brewed, keep an eye out for our upcoming course dates. We want to reach as many people as possible who are ready to build their confidence and digital skills.

You can also help by spreading the word in your community. Sharing this news with local groups, friends, or family members who might be interested will help us reach those who need support the most.

Looking ahead

Winning national lottery funding is a huge boost for our project and the community we serve. It means we can deliver quality digital training that helps people get closer to work and new opportunities. We’re proud to be part of this journey and excited to see the positive impact Confidence Brewed will have.

We will keep you updated on course dates, success stories, and ways to get involved. Together, we can build a stronger, more confident community ready to face the challenges of today’s job market.

Thank you for your support and interest in Confidence Brewed. Let’s make this happen!