Leeds City College is pleased to announce the launch of the Personal Best programme in North Yorkshire. Personal Best is a training and volunteer programme which uses the excitement surrounding the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to inspire individuals to learn new skills, engage in their communities, raise their aspirations and increase their chances of getting a job.
The programme is aimed at those people who are furthest away from employment and in particular homeless people, ex-offenders and people with disabilities. Participants will gain a Level 1 qualification in Event Volunteering and undertake voluntary placements at sporting, arts and cultural events and festivals in the local region.
Every individual who completes the programme before 31 December 2010 and applies is guaranteed an interview to become a 2012 Games Time volunteer. People who complete the programme after that date will still have the opportunity to access many different and exciting event volunteering opportunities. Each person will receive tailored support from the Personal Best Advisor, Claire Tabert.
The College is to receive funding for the successful delivery of the project from the Skills Funding Agency and is working in partnership with North Yorkshire Probation, Business in the Community, York St. John University, Job Centre Plus, North Yorkshire Sport and various Community and Voluntary Services throughout the region.
Jennie Beaumont, Community Initiatives Manager at Leeds City College, said: "This is a fantastic ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity for Leeds City College, our partners and the people of North Yorkshire to make a positive contribution to the 2012 Games and regional events and festivals. Hopefully the participants’ raised levels of skills, aspirations and experiences will have a huge impact on the quality of their lives and leave a lasting legacy within the region.”
If you would like further information on how to refer potential participants or are hosting an event which could provide suitable volunteering opportunities please phone Claire on 0113 2162367/ 07795 978211 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
In Yorkshire the pilot of the Personal Best programme is taking place in North Yorkshire and South Yorkshire with an objective to deliver 50 places in each area. Leeds City College is delivering the programme in North Yorkshire and Rotherham College of Arts and Technology is delivering the programme in South Yorkshire. SkillsActive are a key partner in the programme and useful contact information can be found here.