Funding is available from the Community Learning Teams in Bristol and North Somerset (Community Learning West) for learning providers who want to deliver courses locally. These courses must be designed for adults aged 19 years and over who live in Bristol or North Somerset and:

• Do not have Level 2 qualifications.
• Are unemployed and receive means-tested benefits.
• Experience significant barriers to formal education or work. 

Courses would therefore be tailored to their learning levels and needs. They can be targeted at certain geographical areas or at communities of interest, such as ex-offenders, care leavers, homeless people, disabled people, or those from Black, Asian and Other Ethnic Groups.  

Grants of £7,500-15,000 are available for the period of 1 August 2021 - 31 July 2022. The funding comes from a community learning collaboration between Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council, West of England Combined Authority (WECA), the Education & Skills Funding Agency, and Community Learning West.

Download the application form and do read the application guidance before applying.

To discuss your organisation's application, please use the relevant contact for the area you work in:

• Bristol organisations should contact Véronique Bontemps - email veronique.bontemps@bristol.gov.uk or call 07825 315822.
• North Somerset organisations should contact Becky Jones - email rebecca.jones@n-somerset.gov.uk or call 01275 888459.

Applications close at 12pm (midday) on 14 May 2021.