The Redcliffe Network - Community IT Solutions

	Mental Health Matters South West IT and Administration Department provides training to people who have undergone mental health problems. Study groups are small and supportive and trainees are able to work at their own pace in a non-stressful environment.
	The computer equipment used includes a small network running Windows 98 with Internet access, Microsoft Office 2000 and other industry standard software including Adobe Photoshop, a shared laser and colour inkjet printer, and a scanner for graphics work.
	A modern office environment enables people who may not have worked for some time to acquire administrative and computer skills. Trainees work towards recognised qualifications such as the NVQ in Information Technology, (to Level II), RSA CLAIT (Computer Literacy and Information Technology) and IBT II (Integrated Business Technology) The group is also piloting the new Internet Technologies course which is a part of the CLAIT scheme.
	It is hoped that the organisation will emerge as a Social Firm, providing technology-based solutions to local businesses, co-operatives, charities and other Social Firms. It has already provided high-quality publicity materials to other Social Firms within the previous Bristol Workways' umbrella and is now part of Mental Health Matters of Sunderland.
	All of the Mental Health Matters South West web pages were written by members of the IT group as well as a number of websites for other non-profit organisations. It is hoped provision of Internet services will form a major part of the Redcliffe Network.