RISE aims to provide what learners want, right where they want it, because Learning is for Everyone.

What is RISE?

RISE (formerly The Learning Network) is a partnership of all those with an interest or stake in Lifelong Learning and the provision of learning in the Five Counties of Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire, Torfaen, Caerphilly and Newport. The partners share a common ethos and have signed an agreement which commits them to a unified approach to achieving their goals.

Why was RISE formed?

After the Corus steel closures, the Welsh Assembly allocated funds for the establishment of a Community Learning Network in the Five Counties. The network, called RISE, aims to regenerate the area through learning.

Who are the partners in this network?

The key partners are drawn from learners and from all the major providers of lifelong learning, support and advice in the Five Counties - further education colleges and universities, community education, library services, careers service, Workers' Educational Association, Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations and Disability Wales. Other partners come from private trainers, learning providers in the workplace, the business sector, the voluntary and community sector and teaching staff.

What makes RISE different?

The most significant innovation is the involvement of learners right from the beginning of RISE. If learning is to be enjoyable and worthwhile, its content and the way it is provided must meet the needs of learners. They know what courses, facilities and services they want and their views have been incorporated into RISE's guidelines for good practice. Learners are active members of all of RISE's local Learning Development Committees and discussion groups. In the policy-making bodies of the RISE Network, they have almost half the seats.

What is the structure of RISE?

RISE works through a wide range of learning centres. In each community in the Five Counties, there will soon be a Learning Action Centre with a variety of Satellite Centres. There is already a total of more than 200 RISE centres, with more to follow.

What do these centres provide?

Learning Action Centres provide many services to learners, as well as offering a range of courses at different levels. Each Learning Action Centre supports a number of Satellite Centres. These centres may offer a more limited range of services. One may specialise in computer-related learning, for example, and another may provide work-based courses.
Where else does RISE offer learning opportunities?

Learning may also be provided in any number of local venues, such as community centres or a local pub. There may also be local access points - perhaps even one in the local supermarket. If learning is for everyone, then it must be the learning that people want, where they want it!

Wherever you see the RISE sign, you know you will find:

• a friendly welcome
• a high-quality learning environment
• a wide range of learning opportunities
• experienced, well-qualified tutors
• convenient opening times
• help and support with learning
• independent advice and guidance
• strong links with the community

This information has been adapted from RISE's information leaflet. For copies of this leaflet or for any other information, contact:

RISE
The Innovation Centre
Festival Drive
Victoria Business Park
Ebbw Vale
NP23 8XA

RISE
Y Ganolfan Arloesi
Rhodfa'r
Parc Busnes Fictoria
Glyn Ebwy
NP23 8XA

Tel/Ffôn: 01495 356712
Fax/Ffacs: 01495 356713
E-mail/E-bost: RISE@newport.ac.uk