CNP talk about CALLnet

A new portal website called CALLnet will launch in May 2004.

CALLnet stands for Community Access to Lifelong Learning Network and it is designed for anyone searching for learning opportunities in Northern Ireland. The website will provide information and links to local organisations, courses, facilities, resources and events across the country.

It is the product of partnerships between NICVA and 14 community organisations in Northern Ireland who received funding from the New Opportunities Fund .

Patricia Cooke, director of Community Network Portadown (CNP) and CALLnet partner, speaks about her organisation's involvement in the project.

1. Why did CNP first decide to become a CALLnet partner?

We saw it as an opportunity to make information about local learning opportunities accessible to our members and the community, to build new relationships and to promote Portadown and the organisation.

My first impression was that this was an exciting chance to embrace IT and use it for the benefit of the community. I also felt that NICVA’s project team had clear and relevant objectives for the project, which was crucial for gaining CNP's commitment to it.

2. How would you describe the project to someone living in Portadown who had never heard of CALLnet?

The project uses one internet site to promote information about local learning opportunities and what is going on in towns and activities across Northern Ireland.

Even if you haven’t got access to the internet at home, the CNP resource centre has internet access and staff members on hand to help. We are open from 9am – 5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am – 2pm on Friday.

3. Before becoming involved in the project, how much experience did you have of using the internet to promote CNP’s activities?

CNP has had a website for about five years and we recently launched a new one, www.cnponline.co.uk , to promote the work of the organisation and its member groups.

4. Have your perceptions about the benefits of the internet changed during the course of the project?

As the project has progressed, I've realised the potential the internet has for promoting my organisation and work in the local community. Also, I've seen the opportunities that can open up from linking with other internet users.

5. What sort of information will you share with other internet users through CALLnet?

We plan to use it to promote information about training, events, festivals and volunteering opportunities in Portadown, as well as local news and views. In particular we can share training and course details, venues and vacancies.

It will help to avoid duplication of what’s being offered locally and prevent courses being cancelled because of low interest because the wider public don’t know about them.

6. What difficulties have you experienced so far in the project and what have been the benefits?

The only hard thing for me has been in trying to get out of the office to attend project meetings in Belfast. The initial benefits have been:

• meeting the other partners and learning about their work
• working with NICVA’s CALLnet team who have been very user friendly and supportive
• getting some new equipment for CNP.

7. What outcomes do you hope the project will have for CNP staff?

I hope to see staff and volunteers trained so they can maintain the CALLnet site, also new collaborative partnerships with local business, schools, library, health facilities and others, and better access to information for our members and the local community.

8. How do you think Portadown / Craigavon might benefit from the project, if at all?

It will benefit from being part of a Northern Ireland wide partnership, which enables us to share information and news and promote the good things about our area. CALLnet will also benefit isolated rural groups and individuals who will be able to use their computers to link to local sites.


For more information about the CALLnet project please contact Paul Gormley, CALLnet Officer at NICVA:
Paul Gormley
028 9087 7777



The CALLnet project is supported by the New Opportunities Fund