Bristol learning centre courses on offer

A learning centre in Easton has expanded the opportunities on offer to its students.

Silai for Skills, based in Easton Road, has offered several courses in creative textiles since opening in 1989.

The charity offers educational opportunities to women from all ethnic backgrounds, giving them the confidence to gain qualifications and even start their own business.

All courses begin at entry level and rise to NVQ level III.

The centre has bilingual tutors, and numeracy and literacy support, as well a free crèche on the premises.

Currently around 200 women attend the centre.

And on Wednesday the centre started its first course in a new salon, offering women the opportunity to learn health and beauty, health and well being, and hairdressing skills.

The salon was equipped with the help of a £15,000 grant from the Barclays Wealth Fund and was opened by Lord Mayor Chris Davies in August.

Now the centre is looking for volunteers to help deliver training to the women wanting to learn the skills and gain employment in the industry.

Director Aroona Smith said: "We are a woman's training organisation that has been around for 20 years.

"Our expertise lies in delivering courses in creative textiles, such as upholstery, patch cutting and sewing.

"We have been looking to diversify our training and have decided to offer opportunities to women in hairdressing, beauty therapy and well being.

"We were lucky enough to be funded through the Barclays Wealth Fund and they provided the capital to equip the studio and salon, which is based at the centre.

"We are very keen to get trainers and volunteers in to help deliver the training in health and beauty and hairdressing, and enable us to promote the facilities we have here.

"This is a very community led centre and there is nothing else like it in the community and we want to get that message out there. We can help women learn basic skills that allow them to get on the first rung of the ladder so they can progress to college or further education.

"Here we aim to build their confidence, help them learn skills and gain qualifications that can help them make informed choices."

Anybody wishing to offer their services is asked to call 0117 941 5180.