Start with
the essentials.
Build confidence using a computer or tablet, managing files, browsing the internet and sending emails. Learn at a supportive pace with time to practise.
Basic IT & digital inclusion
The YouCan programme
Our programme
Learn everyday digital skills, build confidence with a mentor and prepare for your next step. Our first programme is in development; you can register your interest now.
Start with
Make technology
work for you.
Practise everyday online tasks, from completing forms to finding information. Develop awareness of passwords, privacy and common online scams.
Practical learning & online safetyTake the next
step together.
One-to-one mentoring will help participants identify goals, recognise progress and work through barriers to learning and participation.
Mentoring & confidencePrepare for
what comes next.
Use digital skills to prepare a CV, search for opportunities and complete applications. We aim to develop links with employers and further training providers.
Employment, education & trainingWe plan to offer recognised digital skills qualifications, with Highfield Qualifications as our preferred awarding organisation. Final qualifications and delivery arrangements will be confirmed before enrolment. Delivery dates remain subject to funding.
Is YouCan for me?
A starting point that works for you.
You do not need previous IT experience. Our planned programme is for adults rebuilding after prison or living with a conviction, and former Armed Forces personnel who want to build digital confidence.
What to expect
- Beginner-friendly learning in small groups.
- One-to-one mentoring around your own goals.
- Practical tasks, time to practise and space to ask questions.
- Support towards work, education or further learning.
Before you join
Where: London and surrounding areas, with service bases in Bexley and Southwark. Teaching venues and schedules will be confirmed.
Cost: Learner places are intended to be free of charge. The training and mentoring will be paid for through grant funding, subject to the programme securing the required funding.
Qualifications: Highfield Qualifications is our preferred awarding organisation. The exact qualification and delivery arrangements will be confirmed before enrolment.
Not sure whether it is right for you, or need help taking the first step? Call 020 3432 4632. You can ask about access needs without sharing sensitive details through the form.
Register your interestWho we support
Your starting point.
Your next step.
Our proposed programme is for adults across London and surrounding areas who would benefit from basic IT skills and supportive mentoring.
Building a life
beyond prison.
For people leaving prison and adults with convictions who want to develop digital skills, access everyday online services and prepare for education, training or work.
We aim to provide a supportive place to practise, ask questions and build confidence at a manageable pace.
Register your interestSkills for the
next chapter.
For ex-servicemen and women who would benefit from refreshing their IT skills or building confidence with the digital tasks involved in civilian life.
Support will start with individual goals and experience, recognising the strengths each person brings.
Register your interest
Skills grow with support
A human approach
to digital learning.
- Start with a conversation
We want to understand each person’s goals, starting point and any barriers to taking part.
- Build confidence through practice
Small learning groups and one-to-one mentoring are at the heart of our proposed programme.
- Make the next step meaningful
Progress is about using new skills in everyday life and exploring education, training or employment.
Our first pilot
Up to 30 people. Support built around engagement.
The proposed first phase will support approximately 30 adults with convictions over 12 months. Months 1–6 will focus on recruitment, assessment, digital skills training and mentoring; months 7–12 will focus on lighter-touch mentoring, progression support and evaluation. Veterans remain part of our wider mission, with later cohorts subject to further funding.
Small enough to know people
We want participants to be more than attendance numbers. Mentoring and follow-up are built into the model.
Re-engagement matters
If someone misses a session, the response is not simply to write them off. Within appropriate boundaries, the team can make contact, understand barriers and encourage a safe return.
Progress we can evidence
We plan to track enrolment, attendance, retention, learning outcomes, confidence and progression rather than claiming impact before the programme has run.