Using Community Venues to Improve Accessibility
From LearningHearts
Physical access is a key issue for many rural communities. Geographic isolation can result in significant distances to accessing mainstream provision located within larger settlements. This adds a transport component to service delivery which is costly both financially and in terms of time. The added financial cost can increase barriers to access for those on low incomes who are often a key target group for education and skill initiatives. The time involved in travel can impinge of work or caring commitments as well as having an effect on drop-off rates, particularly during periods of inclement weather. Public transport provision is increasingly limited therefore those reliant on it, who again are more likely to fall within key target groups, may simply be unable to access centrally located provision creating key equality issues.
By locating provision within local community venues many of these factors can be reduced or avoided. In addition, many adults, particularly those with lower educational attainment, do not have positive associations with a formal school environment. By locating provision within community buildings a less formal and more comfortable environment can be created reducing psychological barriers to access. Where an asset that is perceived as owned by the community (legally or psychologically) it is more likely to be considered a safe home environment and therefore again increasing levels of comfort with the surrounds, reducing barriers to access and improving attainment levels.
Case Studies
Services2gether (England/English)
Services2gether was an intiative of Norfolk RCC to address issues of service access. It trialled multi-agency outreach into community venues in Norfolk full details and lessons learnt are a available here http://www.norfolkrcc.org.uk/wiki/index.php/Services2gether .
Science Circuit (Wales/English)
Working in rural Cerdigion requires innovative ideas and approaches to overcome the barriers posed by lack of or irregular public transport, low incomes and a lack of confidence in formal learning. Cerdigion has a very low rate of adult learning (a common characteristic of rural areas) and many isolated villaegs and hamlets. Science Circuit uses a mobile classroom to visit these villages to dleiver science based activitiesat a level, times and approach designed to be accessible to adults with low levels of educational achievment. The activities include:
- Renewable energy
- Recycling
- Conservation
- Health
- Basic IT
- DNA fingerprints and forensic science
For more information please visit http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/widening-participation/
