The CRC network is a partner in the 'ICT Learning Strategies' programme, 1999-2003, funded by the European Social Fund and involving the Lifelong Learning Partners in both Herefordshire and Worcestershire. As part of the programme, a Community IT Training Support Officer, employed by Herefordshire College of Technology, is part of the CRC team in Herefordshire. For more information on IT training you can contact your local CRC or in Herefordshire contact Nick Gurney the ESF Community ICT training Support Officer at nick@hereford.communityhw.org.uk and in Worcestershire contact Jim Brady at Lifelong Learning on 01 905 766264.

The SMART project (Southern Marches Area Rural Telematics - 1998-2001) involved funding from the European Regional Development Fund, the Rural Development Commission and a large number of local partners.

The objects of the project included :-

• putting nine existing Community Resource Centres online, and providing them with a wide range of new reprographic equipment and computers,


• creating a CRC Web site,


• developing a purpose-built IT Training and Resource Centre with 6 online computers and two part-time paid staff.

A free SMART CDRom was created and distributed widely across Herefordshire, with an Internet tutorial, CV writing and Job Search guides, and an interactive map of the CRCs in the area.

Following on from SMART, and an integral part of the HIT (Herefordshire In Touch) programme, in 2002 a Community and Voluntary Sector ICT Development Officer will be joining the CRC team. The new officer will be helping to facilitate the engagement of the community and voluntary sector with the opportunities available through the HIT Programme.

Part of the HIT programme includes providing countywide access to a single, low-cost broadband network, and developing the Herefordshire Communications Network (HCN) web portal gateway. This gateway will be a portal for publicly accessible information services at local and national levels, including future provision for E-government services.