'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
Free CV Skills Workshops Across Surrey [March-April 2010]
Need a CV? Let Nextstep help you with free 90-minute ‘Introduction to CV Writing’ workshops. Our relaxed and informal sessions are FREE and are run by a qualified nextstep careers adviser. You do not need any computer skills to attend.
CV Writing workshops will help you to:
• Be clear about the purpose and use of a CV
• Know what to include and how it should look
• Start to draft your own
• Feel more confident about job search
• Speak to the nextstep adviser on the day
Nextstep sessions are delivered in Epsom, Staines, Guildford, Camberley, Woking, Walton on Thames and Redhill. Follow up one- to-one appointments can be booked through nextstep for those with few/no qualifications.
Please call Nextstep FREE to book a space 0800 1954 700 or visit the Nextstep website at www.nextstepsoutheast.org.uk
Job Club brings support to job seekers in Guildford [Feb 2010]
The Guildford Job Club and Networking Group has recently announced a free programme of job-searching support, careers talks and workshops and practical support which is scheduled to run between February and July 2010 in Guildford. Most events are hosted at St Saviour's Church from 9:10am-12:30. This programme is funded by Guildford Borough Council and is supported by Jobcentre Plus, TWM Solicitors, Guildford YMCA, Surrey Chambers of Commerce and Guildford College.
If you would like to attend an event or find out more, contact Job Club coordinator, Louise Nix on 07725 127065 or via lnix@tlc.eu.com
News from BBC Learning [February 2010]
After a little break the BBC Learning South East quarterly newsletter is back!
This short, digestible read keeps you up to date with all the latest offerings from BBC Learning campaigns in Kent, Sussex and Surrey. In this edition you find details about BBC Raw Skills for Everyday Life, BBC Class Clips for teachers and how to get hold of some BBC Dig In recipe booklets by Nigel Slater!
For more information on BBC Learning Projects, contact Eleanor Gloster, BBC Learning
at 01273 320432 / 07711 776328 or eleanor.gloster@bbc.co.uk
Download your copy now!
Work Focussed Support for Carers [January 2010]
As of January 2010 Jobcentre Plus can now offer support to any carer looking for work or training. This is a voluntary programme called Work Focussed Support for Carers. The carer does not have to be receiving any benefits, and will benefit from a support package which can include help from an adviser, training, job preparation courses and in-work benefits calculations.
In addition to this, any carer participating in an approved Jobcentre Plus activity may be able to claim the cost of replacement care.
If you would like more information please download the Work Focussed Support for Carers Leaflet or contact Sandra Bolton, Care Partnership Manager at Jobcentre Plus at sandra.bolton@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk or 01483 446150.
Surrey 14-19 Strategy Consultation [December 2009]
Surrey County Council is currently seeking opinions and feedback on its draft 14-19 strategy for 2010-2015. This plan sets out our proposals to improve education and training opportunities and outcomes for young people in Surrey. It looks ahead to 2015 and addresses the immediate challenge of the economic downturn. It proposes an integrated approach to developing learning across the four learning routes – Apprenticeships, Diplomas, Foundation Learning and GCSEs/A Levels. The closing date for consultation responses is 31st December 2009.
