This campaign has now closed
SOAP is the programme of public participation at Access Space. Access Space is open for 5 days per week for most of the year (typically around 230 days) and during that time anyone can walk in and get involved at no cost. The defining characteristic of SOAP is that it encourages, supports and evaluates creative activities initiated and/or directed by participants themselves. We have been part funded by the Tudor Trust for 3 years. However, we require a further £10k a year to cover all costs.
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Beneficiaries
Situation
Visitors to the space are invited to participate and are supported to pursue their own constructive, creative projects using Access Space's ICT lab. A key characteristic of SOAP activity is that participants are self-referred (i.e. come to the space on their own initiative) and their activities are self-directed (i.e. set the parameters of what they want to create and achieve with the facilities). Use of Access Space's computer network. Provision of a personal desktop (protected by a password) with secure private storage space on a fileserver. Internet connectivity within the space. Opportunities to develop ICT skills. Advice and assistance for participants who are setting up web sites. Access to peer support and advice from introductory to expert level. Opportunities to develop soft skills, such as personal communication networking and teamwork. Access to free web space and email setup. Opportunities to participate in computer refurbishment and recycling, developing hardware skills. Opportunities to build computers and install software and take them away for home or community use. Opportunities to volunteer to help support the programme. There are a range of benefits which individual participants report from engaging with Project one. In addition, the programme achieves strategic aims. Individual Engagement Personal Empowerment Access to ICT ICT Skill Development Soft-Skill Development Development of Social and Business Networks Business Incubation Social Inclusion Increased Employability