Surrey Libraries Launch New eBook Service - [July 2010]
Oscar Wilde's famous quote "I never travel without my diary, one should always have something sensational to read on the train" is more appropriate than ever this week as commuters get the chance to access hundreds of books online.
Whether curled up on the sofa with an iPad or on the way to work with a Kindle, Surrey libraries exciting new service could revolutionise the way we read by offering free around the clock availability to hundreds of books at your fingertips.
Surrey County Council's new eBooks service, launched on 5 July, offers more than 300 eBooks and around 100 eAudiobooks ranging from classics by Shakespeare and Dickens to thrillers by Ian Rankin and Patricia Cornwell.
To join your local library and start borrowing eBooks online, visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/elibrary
Nescot launch Teacher Training Academy - [June 2010]
Nescot have recently launched a Teacher Training Academy delivering a range of courses including those to staff in the post 16 lifelong learning sector. The offer includes the PTLLS course which can be delivered on a part time and intensive basis as well as a new PTLLS-Plus course which includes an additional session on skills for life or functional skills. The Teacher Training Academy has a number of delivery models for PTLLS to suit most needs - from a short intensive programme to a 10 week course of one session week, including the option for twilight or evenings.
Nescot has also just released a new Adult Part-Time course listing for courses planned to start from September 2010 - with a special offer for early booking. Download a sneak preview below, or visit the Nescot Summer Fayre at the College on Saturday 26th June (11am-2pm) to pick up your copy of the full prospectus.
Download a PTLLS leaflet here: Nescot PTLLS Leaflet
Download a preview of the Nescot adult part-time course listing
'About Us' launch new Travel Surrey website [June 2010]
As part of Learning Disability Awareness Week, 'About Us' are 'going live' with a new Travel Surrey website. You can find it at:- www.travelsurrey.org
The website includes:- 
- chances to chat about the filmed travel scenarios in 'What would I do if....;'
- news about travel events and activities and also filmed travel interviews in 'Personal Stories'
- travel gadget information in 'Travel Gadgets'
- journey planners, bus pass, Dial-a-Ride and train pass contacts in 'How to Get There'
- all sorts of useful information like 'How to' video clips, travel photos, learning materials, assessment forms etc, in 'How to Do It'
- a range of other useful travel-related websites on the 'Websites' page
The website opens with an introduction to the site from Jamie and Debbie, who will tell you what you can find where and how. The website is still growing and 'About Us' are keen to hear what you think of it. If you have any comments, useful travel hints and tips, or would like to suggest other information to add/link to, then please contact Phil Mack on 01737 737149 or by email at phil.mack@surreycc.gov.uk
Contracts Awarded To Deliver An Integrated Adult Careers Service - [June 2010]
The Skills Funding Agency has announced the appointment of 12 organisations to deliver Next Step, a free integrated adult careers service in England from August 2010. Next Step will make information, advice and resources available online as well as through advisers on the telephone and face to face, helping adults of all ages and at any stage in their lives, make the right choices about skills, careers and qualifications. In the South East Next Step will be delivered by VT Enterprise.
Debbie Francis, Head of Careers and Employability for VT Enterprise, said:
“VT Enterprise is excited to deliver the Next Step service across the South East. We have a long and successful track record of managing adult careers services in the region and have been actively preparing to deliver the integrated service. We will be able to support adults across the region by offering face to face careers and skills advice using highly qualified and experienced advisers. Our focus will be to offer labour market focused advice that allows adults to make informed choices about the pathways that are available to them and to support them as they progress in work and training”
Carers Week Activities in Surrey [June 2010]
It is Carers Week from 14th to 20th June and the theme this year is “A Life of my Own”. Action for Carers & Employment (ACE) have arranged two drop-in sessions for carers:
- Wednesday 16th June at the Park Barn Centre, Park Barn Drive, Guildford 10am and 2pm
- Thursday 17th June Christchurch, Town Square Woking 10am-4pm
- There will also be an information display all week in Guildford Library
Carers are invited to come along for a coffee and an informal chat about what is on offer in the way of leisure activities and informal learning in the area. If they wish we can also discuss longer term courses and work opportunities but the main aim is to encourage participation in any form of social/learning activity to alleviate isolation and loneliness.
For more information contact Action for Carers and Employment on 01483 565874 or email yvonne.ace@actionforcarers.org.uk
Vote now in the Surrey VCFS Elections - [June 2010]
Elections are being held to ensure the Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector has it’s say on which of its members should represent the Sector on the Surrey Strategic Partnership. This is the first time there has been an election for these roles. Every Voluntary, Community and Faith organisation in Surrey has a vote.
We would encourage organisations to view the candidates personal statements at www.surreyca.org.uk/sic_assembly.htm and download and return a ballot paper as instructed on the website. The closing date for receipt of ballot papers is 2nd July 2010. Only the first ballot paper received from each organisation will be counted.
Ballot papers should be printed off and sent to:
The Surrey Assembly Elections
Freepost RRYA-YGRR-ULCH
RAISE
Bridge House
1 Walnut Tree Close
Guildford, Surrey
GU1 4UA
For more information please contact Hazel Robinson, Assembly Support Manager
Tel (mobile): 07500 470283 Email: hazelr@surreyca.org.uk
