What experience do UK online centres have in supporting VCOs? Don't they just offer basic IT training for disadvantaged learners?

Since 2000, over 2000 UK online centres, established VCOs, have received government and lottery funding to incorporate ICT suites - for internet access, learning and learner support - into their services and venues. Emerging practice shows that the best of these are now able to act as mentors, hosts and service providers to others in their sector, offering an understanding ICT issues, sector issues and specific expertise with socially excluded groups.

net:gain centres are selected from the most forward looking, influential and entrepreneurial centres. Many have built partnerships with education providers, local VCOs, businesses, regional and government offices, and other stakeholders. The most successful have already become integrated in ChangeUp, and the programme encourages them to work hard to support and complement local activity. They have shown that they can be catalysts in promoting community and voluntary sector development, and in hosting or providing a wide range of roles and services.