People from all walks of life in Oxford have been invited to offer a helping hand to their community through education.

Oxford Learning Communities is looking to recruit about 20 more volunteer 'learning champions' to help staff its offices on the Barton, Rose Hill and Blackbird Leys housing estates.

Learning champions give up at least three hours a week to help people into adult learning programmes.

They also find out about courses residents would like to see provided on the estates, while developing their own computer, organisational and interpersonal skills.

Jim Barlow, project manager of Oxford Learning Communities, said he hoped to recruit about a dozen learning champions for Blackbird Leys and another four or five each for Barton and Rose Hill.

He said: "We want people who live on the estates who have an interest and enthusiasm for learning in general, and for promoting creative and enjoyable learning opportunities for their friends, neighbours and families.

"It can be anybody. We have people from all walks of life, all ages and all levels of educational experience. They need to be people who want to see more opportunities on the estate."

Mr Barlow said about 1,000 people had taken on some form of learning through the three estates' learning communities in the past two years.

The group currently has 27 learning champions on its books, and courses have included IT skills, film production and aromatherapy and massage.

Mr Barlow said: "Learning champions are putting something really valuable back into the community, while developing their own learning and skills.

"It is very rewarding for them, and it can help build their confidence and self esteem. A number of learning champions have gone on into employment."

Paula Williams, 37, a single parent who became a learning champion in Blackbird Leys two years ago, said: "It has given me a great sense of community spirit. I am more confident - I see myself in a different light.

"You are mentoring and coaching people who you would normally mix and socialise with. It is about building each other up.

"It is a friendly environment - it is not rigid or anything like that. You learn about yourself and learn about your community - it is about growing as an individual and growing as a community."

Earlier this month Oxford Learning Communities received a £225,000 grant which could see the scheme extended into other estates such as Wood Farm and Northway.

  • Oxford Learning Communities was set up two years ago to improve education opportunities in poorer areas of the city.

The group is financed by the South East England Development Agency, and provides adult learning courses tailored to suit learners' needs.

Learning champions act as a conduit between the community and Oxford Learning Communities bosses - helping to identify demand for courses, suggesting new courses and encouraging people to take part in learning opportunities.