For one graduate in particular, "The Calico Academy" has given her a fresh start in life. Tarnya Lomas (50) heard the Academy at a Calico open day and admits this was an opportunity to get involved in the community again after years of personal problems, "I’d been through some rough times, but I was determined to go out and better my life... and it’s been absolutely brilliant! "I’ve met a great bunch of people and made new friends. It’s given me a real sense of satisfaction to prove that ‘you’re never too old’ and I’ve shown my children that I can still make something of myself." Having learned a lot on the Academy, Tarnya says she’s now ready to take the next step, "I’m looking to start volunteering with Calico’s floating support team and also get a qualification in Housing too. I’ve joined Calico’s RAISE group - it’s a new venture where tenants can help monitor how Calico performs. "Looking back, I didn’t have a lot of confidence... now I’m ‘right in there’, and ready to take on anything." The Calico Academy The graduation held at Turf Moor marks the completion of the nine-week Academy pilot. The course was developed through a customer steering group, who ensured the format and content was exactly what residents wanted; simple two-hour sessions in a non-pressured environment. The course content itself covers a range of services that Calico provides; from key housing services - such as repairs, investment, neighbourhoods and anti-social behaviour - to projects that provide jobs training and support to help people live independently. Calico's community involvement manager, Tracey McMullan, says the project aims to make a difference to both individuals and the wider community, "Ultimately, the more knowledge our customers have, the more effectively they can challenge our performance, hold us to account, and - in the long term - help us to continually improve services for everyone. "It’s been incredible to see this group grow in confidence - I never imagined that by the second week alone they'd be standing up delivering presentations to an audience. "It’s been helpful to strike a balance between informative and fun; but the enthusiasm and participation of all ten students exceeded all our expectations and their feedback has been fantastic." Get involved The next Calico Academy will be starting on Wednesday 21 April. Calico tenants are encouraged to apply as well as anyone else wanting to know how a Housing Association operates. Places will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis, and a further programme is scheduled for later in the year. To register for a place, or for more details, contact Tracey McMullan on 0800 169 2407 (extension 6395).
Ten Burnley residents are celebrating following their graduation from a new training programme; designed to build their confidence, and give them new skills to influence the way Calico provides services in the community.
Residents Find New Direction through Calico Academy
