PRESS RELEASE: March 6th 2005

TRAINING COURSE for
LOCAL EXCHANGE TRADING SCHEMES

We are pleased to announce that Letslink London is designing a pilot training course for people running Local Exchange Trading Schemes and those wanting to set one up. The course will include training in computer skills, day to day office administration, communication and group-work skills, running a survey, recording information, developing motivation and confidence, and identifying current skills. We intend to run this course as a series of weekly meetings from April to June 2005.

The course presenters, who will be either experienced LETS organisers, or specialist presenters/ tutors for specific areas of skill. Initial attendees will be drawn from people currently running LETS schemes. Most of them have undertaken their projects without much training and support, and they may lack resources or even knowledge of the basic theory underlying Local Exchange Trading. For the first pilot run of the course we want to attract as co-planners and participants existing LETS organisers, some of whom are much more experienced than others, as a way of networking, providing mutual support, and updating their skills. We will also advertise amongst our extensive networks, includiing those who have enquired about setting up or joining LETS in the London area.

This project is supported by a Fast Forward Grant,
funded by the London Central Learning and Skills Council and the European Social Fund.