The Disabled People's Electronic Village Hall

I took early retirement and thought it would be nice to gain some computer skills but was unsure where to get the tuition needed, so I enquired at the Dewsbury Library and they pointed me in the direction of The DP–EVH.

I quickly found the Staff very knowledgeable and very friendly; it did not take long to feel at ease with all the people involved and to enjoy learning at the centre.

In fact I enjoyed it so much and it is such a friendly atmosphere, that I became a volunteer! This means that I can help others to improve their skills and gain confidence in their abilities, whilst continuing to add to my knowledge as well.

I can highly recommend The DP-EVH as a great place to be as a student or a volunteer and to make new friends.

18/08/2011

I have worked as a volunteer at The DP-EVH for two years, after having been signed up as a learner three and a half years ago (many/most volunteers are ex-learners).

I work as a teaching assistant with learners studying computer courses and am also a member of the management committee.

As a teaching assistant I feel that I am putting the computer skills I acquired as a learner to good use. I find it rewarding helping learners benefit from developing computing skills that I had, particularly its therapeutic benefits. I have been made to feel that my voluntary work is valued by both the teaching staff I am assisting and by the learners.

However I have been particularly impressed by the interest taken in developing a volunteer’s ability to work well, for example, I am currently studying for a teacher training certificate.

This contrasts with my previous experience as a disabled volunteer for other charities for disabled people where volunteers were made to feel no different from learners, inferring that our voluntary contribution was hardly recognised.

From personal experience I can vouch that volunteering for a charity where your voluntary contribution is recognised and that courses resulting in qualifications can enhance the job prospects of people seeking employment. I have heard people who have worked as volunteers at The DP-EVH refer to similar experiences.

10/06/2011

The Disabled Peoples Electronic Village Hall is the perfect place for my customers to learn new skills.

The staff and volunteers are all really friendly and supportive and make the learners feel comfortable and confident in their learning environment.

The range of courses is excellent, from Basic Skills to IT qualifications, there is something for everyone and learners are encouraged to progress at a pace to suit their individual needs.

I would like to thank all the staff for their continued help and support.

Dawn Turner
Disability Employment Adviser
Dewsbury Jobcentreplus

04/05/2011

I had a terrible run of bad luck at the end of the nineties and into the following decade. I received a nasty injury and became unemployed.

This led to a breakdown and the loss of all my confidence.

I was given help at Mirfield Day Centre (Now Pathways) and Worklink.

I eventually got myself moving forward and was regaining confidence but I knew that I was lacking computer skills which would help me in my search for employment.

I told my advisor at Worklink and she grabbed hold of me and took me into this place called The DP-EVH. I was like a frightened rabbit in the headlights but promised that I would come back.

They put me on a basic course in I.T. starting that afternoon back in August 2003.

I was told later that I looked so nervous that morning that they did not expect me to return. However I kept my promise but wondered what I had let my self in for.

I moved forward very quickly. This was because The DP-EVH is a friendly place where people are given time and understanding.

I now volunteer and help out with fundraising. I feel that this is a way of giving something back to a great organization.

02/03/2011