MINDWorks

MINDWorks is Islington MIND's computer training project. We offer structured training in computer and work skills, in a safe and supportive environment, to Islington residents who are experiencing or recovering from mental health problems.

We provide training in the following:

• Basic Computer Literacy
• Word Processing (Microsoft Word)
• Spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel)
• Database (Microsoft Access)
• Desktop Publishing (Quark X-Press)
• Graphics (Photoshop and FreeHand)
• Internet & Email (Explorer and Outlook)

About our courses

• The courses are eight weeks long.
• If you complete the Basic course, you have the option of progressing to a more advanced course.
• Our Employment Workers are available to assist in work trials/placements, careers advice, voluntary work, vocational training, further education, CVs etc.
• The project is RSA accredited and we are able to offer all participants who complete the course a recognised qualification in the form of RSA certification (eDCC).
• You can also gain units towards NVQ Level 2 in Information Technology.

Courses currently available

• Computing - Basic, Intermediate and Advanced
• Word Processing - Basic, Intermediate and Advanced
• DTP - Basic, Intermediate and Advanced
• Internet Browsing and Email
• RSAs for Graphics and Database are being developed.

The training is carried out on a one-to-one basis, so the pace of tuition is geared to each individual participant. Classes are small in order to minimise stress and distractions and to maximise the benefit for you.

We do not wish to force a pace on you and any individual action plans are drawn up with your agreement and input. We encourage you to learn at the speed best suited to you - not us - and there's no homework either! Practice is the important thing in honing skills.

We are understanding and sympathetic to mental health issues as many of the trainers have themselves experienced mental health problems. We understand the fears and anxieties that many people experience about embarking on something new.

We will support you in overcoming your anxieties, lack of confidence, low self-esteem, computer phobia and worries about being unable to finish the course ... why not try it - it works!

The project is open to Islington residents (18 years and over) and is free to participants. Attendance is arranged to suit you. We welcome your interest but due to demand we have a waiting list - first come, first served.

Referral
You can self-refer or you can be referred by any agency.

Contact
Julie Proudley, Employment & Training Team Manager. Tel: 020 7561 5289