Just over a year ago Roe Farm Homework and Computer Club in Derwent successfully bid for funding from Catalyst. A year on, and the Club has gone from strength to strength.

The funding was used to set up a computer room to be used by youngsters in the evenings. Many of these youngsters had no access to computers at home. The project also offers basic skills training in ICT for unemployed adults from the area in order to enhance their self esteem and employability.

"Here is an example of where this money has made a real difference to peoples lives," said Stephen Tomlinson, Derwent First Steps Development Worker.

"Just to go to the community centre and see the enthusiasm and sense of achievement these people feel, makes me proud to have contributed in some small way towards the success of this project. It's always difficult to quantify success, but I know that the youngsters enjoy going to the club after school and you can never measure that. Just to see people developing their skills is wonderful. I really believe that with the right kind of support ordinary people can achieve quite extraordinary things."

( Derwent First Steps helps many existing and new voluntary groups to develop their skills and gain the confidence to apply for available funding. They are situated on St Mark's Road, Derwent, in the medical centre above Boots the Chemist. You can phone them on 01332 378866.

(from Network News, Jan/Feb 2004)