A PROJECT which has helped hundreds of people on an Oxford estate get to grips with technology is calling out for funding.

The Blackbird Leys Information Technology Zone, or Blitz, has been running from the Leys Community Centre since 2002.

It runs free courses for people to improve their IT skills, helps them with job hunting and CV writing, and offers drop-in sessions for those without computers at home.

But volunteers at the charity say they desperately need funding if the scheme is to stay open until the end of the year.

Project manager Jayne Watson said: “We currently have around 50 people enrolled on our courses and dozens more coming along to the drop-in sessions.

“Not everyone has a computer at home. If you’re on benefits, it would be a real struggle to afford broadband.

“There are also a lot of people who don’t have access to the internet, and we can help them with CVs, job searches and anything they want to do.”

Blitz was set up 10 years ago and initially funded by Oxfordshire County Council. When local authority funding dried up, it was taken over by volunteers and run by Leys resident John Clifford.

Mr Clifford stepped down for health reasons, though remains a director of the project. Since last summer, it has been run by Miss Watson and Edmund Faria, who also live on the estate and who receive assistance from dozens of volunteers.

Miss Watson said: “I absolutely love being here. It’s informal, there’s no pressure and people like it. But we are limited.

“We have a big list of things we would like to do but are constrained by funding.

“We have until July, when our funding runs out. Hopefully, after that date, however, we will be able to continue in some form.”

The hub currently has 12 computers and runs five weekly classes for 50 students, with four drop-in sessions.

Instruction ranges from courses for complete beginners through to advanced classes offering NVQ-equivalent training.

Classes have also been held for ‘silver surfers’ – older residents of the estate who are keen to learn about new technology.

Miss Watson said: “Some of our learners are complete beginners and have never used a computer before.

“Blitz is for everyone and it’s free. It always has been free and that’s the way it should stay.

“It would be very sad if it closed as, in our view, it is one of the most important community services on Blackbird Leys.”

  • Anyone would can help with funds or advice should call Blitz on 01865 714492 or email blitzithub@yahoo.co.uk