Parkside Digital Empowerment Programme (18 to 29)

A free 6-week digital skills and employability programme for Peabody residents aged 18 to 29. 

Develop the workplace digital skills employers are looking for, strengthen your career prospects, and build confidence using professional digital tools, online platforms, and essential online services.

Delivered face-to-face at Parkside Community Centre, this practical programme provides hands-on learning in a supportive group environment to help you develop the skills needed for work, further learning, and everyday digital life.

Build skills. Move forward!

OVERVIEW

The Parkside Digital Empowerment Programme is a fully funded programme designed for Peabody residents aged 18 to 29 who want to strengthen their workplace digital skills, improve their employability, and prepare for today's increasingly digital world.

Delivered by DCS Empowerment CIC, the programme takes place face-to-face at Parkside Community Centre and is ideal for young adults looking to enter employment, progress in their careers, explore further learning opportunities, or develop the practical digital skills expected by modern employers.

The programme focuses on real-world digital skills that support career development, job searching, online communication, workplace technology, and everyday digital life.

What you will learn

During the programme, you will develop practical skills and confidence in:

• Using digital devices and online tools effectively
• Professional email and digital communication
• Online collaboration and workplace technology
• Accessing essential online services, including housing, NHS and benefits platforms
• Building or improving your CV
• Identifying your skills, strengths and career goals
• Searching and applying for jobs online
• Understanding modern recruitment processes
• Using AI tools responsibly to support learning, productivity and job searching
• Digital wellbeing, online safety and responsible technology use

You will also receive support to help you plan your next steps into employment, further education, apprenticeships, training or volunteering.

Why this programme matters

Today's employers increasingly expect applicants to be confident using digital technology, online recruitment systems and workplace software. Whether you are looking for your first job, changing career, returning to work or aiming to progress in your current role, strong digital skills have become essential.

This programme has been designed to help young adults develop those skills through practical, face-to-face learning in a supportive community environment, improving confidence, employability and future career opportunities.

Programme structure

The programme runs over 9 weeks in total, including a one-week break during half-term, and is delivered in two stages:

Weeks 1 to 7: Group learning sessions focusing on digital skills, employability, digital wellbeing and practical workplace technology.

Weeks 8 to 9: Light-touch progression support, including one-to-one guidance with CVs, job applications, digital tasks, and planning your next steps.

Sessions are delivered face-to-face at Parkside Community Centre in small groups of 10 to 12 learners, creating a friendly and supportive learning environment.

Programme Schedule

Start date: Wednesday 23rd September 2026

Schedule: Every Wednesday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Half-term break: One-week break during the programme

End date: Wednesday 12th November 2026

Programme length: 7 weeks of group workshops

Extra: 2 weeks of progression and follow-up support

Location: Parkside Community Centre, 1 Copperwood Pl, Lewisham SE10 8GE

Programme Delivery

• Face-to-face workshops at Parkside Community Centre
• Small, supportive groups (10 to 12 learners)
• Practical, hands-on learning
• Friendly and inclusive environment
• One-to-one progression support in the final weeks

Who is this programme for?

This programme is for Peabody residents who:

• Are aged 18 to 29
• Want to strengthen their workplace digital skills
• Are looking for employment, career progression or further learning opportunities
• Want to improve their confidence using professional digital tools and online platforms
• Would benefit from support with CVs, job applications and digital recruitment

No previous qualifications are required. Full support will be provided throughout the programme.

Benefits of taking part

By joining the programme, you will:

• Develop digital skills valued by today's employers
• Improve your career prospects and employability
• Strengthen your CV and job application skills
• Learn how to navigate modern online recruitment
• Gain practical workplace digital skills
• Build confidence using professional digital tools
• Improve your digital wellbeing and online safety awareness
• Receive personalised guidance to help you plan your next steps

FUNDING

This programme is funded by the Parkside Community Development Fund and delivered by DCS Empowerment CIC. It forms part of a wider estate-based initiative supporting digital inclusion, employability and wellbeing across Parkside.

About the Parkside Community Fund

Lewisham Local, in partnership with Peabody Community Foundation, is delivering the Parkside Community Fund to support community development and strengthen local resilience on the Parkside Estate in Lewisham as part of the area's regeneration.

How to join

This programme is free, but places are limited.

You can register your interest via Eventbrite or contact us directly:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 020 7175 7735 / 07518 630 040

Our team will confirm your place and provide any additional information before the programme starts.

Build skills. Move forward!