BRIC is a busy resource centre situated in the centre of Blyth. The centre was set up in 1983 in response to the rise in unemployment following the closure of many of the local mining and shipping industries. BRIC moved from its original site on Bowes Street into the Eric Tolhurst Centre in 1996. The centre has since become home to other voluntary sector organisations including: Citizens Advice Bureau, Cease 24, Bliss Mediation, Credit Union and the Blyth Valley Disabled Forum. BRIC is very different today compared to the project established in 1983 – having grown in size, profile and community involvement to become a busy, well used and valued community resource.
Through one to one and group workshops we are able to support individuals through their journey back into education or employment. We are able to sign-post individuals in need of additional or more specific support through working closely with other organisations. We are also a referral centre for organisations requiring the support and services that we provide. Our support is ongoing and does not cease until the client feels they no longer need our support. We work with every client individually to provide the guidance and support they need to enable them to find and remain in employment.
The educational opportunities that BRIC now offer allow people to learn for pleasure, to improve skills and understanding, improve mental health, physical well-being, increase social inclusion and encourage companionship. By providing a non mainstream learning environment we are able to access learners who otherwise would not consider furthering their own personal development. We are continually developing our courses and have recently become a UK Online and Learndirect centre. This allows us to provide I.T. subjects ranging from basic computing through to web design, ESOL, ECDL, ITQ, Maths and English. Our non-accredited courses and those that encourage learning for pleasure offer stimulating and challenging opportunities that promote personal development, encourage re-engagement with learning and proactive community involvement. A wide range of courses are available to accommodate learners from all backgrounds.
We offer progression routes for all learners, whether it be a follow on course progressing to the next level in a specific subject or undertaking different courses to widen their learning or educational needs.
All media content (Photo, Video, Written, etc) on this website is © Blyth Resource & Initiative Centre(BRIC), unless otherwise stated 2010 - 2011 and cannot be used without prior written consent. Site design by Martin Young & Alan Bosworth. Site hosted by McKenzie Media