Start with
the essentials.
Build confidence using a computer or tablet, managing files, browsing the internet and sending emails. Learn at a supportive pace with time to practise.
Basic IT & digital inclusionRebuilding futures through digital skills
Build your skills.
Believe in
your future.
Digital skills open doors. We’re building practical IT training and mentoring for people with convictions and former service personnel taking their next step into civilian and community life.
You can start again.And you don’t have
to do it alone.
to do it alone.
Illustrative image
Built on partnershipGenesysCare+Ikija CareOne shared belief in what comes next.
Our purpose
Digital confidence.
Everyday independence.
Knowing how to use technology can make the next step feel possible.
Applying for a job, managing an email account or accessing an online service can be daunting when you have had limited access to technology or need to refresh your skills.
YouCan is a joint initiative by GenesysCare and Ikija Care. Our proposed programme supports adults with convictions, including people leaving prison, and former Armed Forces personnel who would benefit from basic IT training and mentoring.
We recognise that everyone’s experience is different. Our approach combines small, supportive learning groups with individual encouragement, practical tasks and achievable goals.
The YouCan programme
Useful skills.
Real-world confidence.
Our funding proposal combines basic IT learning, one-to-one mentoring and links to further opportunities. Enquire about the programme and future availability.
Start with
Make technology
work for you.
Practise everyday online tasks, from completing forms to finding information. Develop awareness of passwords, privacy and common online scams.
Practical learning & online safetyTake the next
step together.
One-to-one mentoring will help participants identify goals, recognise progress and work through barriers to learning and participation.
Mentoring & confidencePrepare for
what comes next.
Use digital skills to prepare a CV, search for opportunities and complete applications. We aim to develop links with employers and further training providers.
Employment, education & trainingWe are seeking funding to establish the programme. Recognised IT qualifications form part of our proposal; the awarding body, accreditation arrangements and delivery dates will be confirmed before enrolment.
Skills grow with support
A human approach
to digital learning.
- Start with a conversation
We want to understand each person’s goals, starting point and any barriers to taking part.
- Build confidence through practice
Small learning groups and one-to-one mentoring are at the heart of our proposed programme.
- Make the next step meaningful
Progress is about using new skills in everyday life and exploring education, training or employment.
Our promise
We see the person.
We believe in the possibility.
Respect. Encouragement. Practical steps forward.
Our people
A shared commitment.
Bringing GenesysCare and Ikija Care together around a common purpose: helping people build a positive future.
Adedamola Salami
Director
Anthony Wickliffe
Director
A future fundraising idea
Wear the belief.
Every new chapter starts with possibility. We plan to explore YouCan merchandise to share that message and generate income towards our digital skills and mentoring programmes.
Everyday items.
A positive message.
Our initial ideas include T-shirts, hoodies, reusable tote bags and notebooks featuring the YouCan name and “New chapters. Stronger futures.”
A small, measured start.
We would begin with samples and explore pre-orders or print-on-demand to limit stock costs. Any surplus after production, fulfilment and selling costs would support YouCan’s community purpose.
Launch will depend on demand, supplier costs and an agreed funding approach. Merchandise income is not assumed in our programme budget.
For funders & partners
Help turn digital access
into opportunity.
We are seeking start-up and first-year delivery support for a London-based programme, with a planned reach of approximately 120 participants.
A practical investment in inclusion.
Funding will support training premises, a Programme Manager, an IT Tutor and a Mentor/Caseworker, alongside equipment, devices, software and learning materials.
The proposed budget also provides for accreditation, safeguarding, insurance and evaluation. We welcome discussions about supporting the whole programme or a specific element, such as devices or a learning cohort.
Discuss a partnership ↗Proposed set-up + Year 1 budget£126,500–£155,000
Includes the core programme estimate of £125,000–£152,000 and a separate proposed merchandise pilot allowance of £1,500–£3,000. The pilot is an optional addition to the original executive summary, subject to supplier quotes and funding agreement.
View the proposed budget
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Premises & utilities | £24,000 | £30,000 |
| Staff salaries: three roles | £60,000 | £70,000 |
| Fit-out & equipment | £10,000 | £13,000 |
| Devices & software | £12,000 | £15,000 |
| Materials & accreditation | £5,000 | £6,500 |
| Insurance, DBS & safeguarding | £3,000 | £4,000 |
| Monitoring & evaluation | £4,000 | £5,000 |
| Contingency & overheads | £7,000 | £8,500 |
| Core programme subtotal | £125,000 | £152,000 |
| Optional merchandise pilot | £1,500 | £3,000 |
| Total including optional pilot | £126,500 | £155,000 |
Merchandise pilot: planning allowance
Indicative estimates, not supplier quotations. These are additional costs for testing the idea; the final budget will separate any overlapping branding or overhead costs and confirm VAT treatment.
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Product artwork & print setup | £300 | £600 |
| Samples & quality checks | £300 | £600 |
| Small test run / fulfilment working capital | £500 | £1,000 |
| Packaging & launch materials | £200 | £400 |
| Pilot contingency | £200 | £400 |
| Pilot total | £1,500 | £3,000 |
Support for the core programme can be considered separately from this pilot. Merchandise costs will only be included in a funding request where agreed with the funder; otherwise we would explore sponsorship or a separate source of launch funding.
Participants
Approximate Year 1 reach.
IT qualification
Target proportion of participants achieving a recognised qualification.
A positive next step
Target proportion of graduates entering employment, training or education within six months.
Confidence & connection
Target proportion reporting improved confidence and reduced isolation.
These are proposed targets, not achieved results. Our proposed evaluation approach will combine participation and qualification records, participant feedback and six-month progression follow-up.
Our service bases
Rooted in local communities.
Our Bexley and Southwark service addresses support our work across London and surrounding areas. Please contact us before visiting to confirm arrangements.
Bexley
44 Centaur Court11 Arthur Street
Erith
DA8 2GTView location ↗
Southwark
5 Hoyland ClosePeckham
London
SE15 1QGView location ↗
Let’s take the next step
A conversation
can be the start.
Whether you’re looking for support, making an initial referral enquiry or exploring a partnership, we’d like to hear from you.
General enquiries & partnershipshello@youcancic.org.uk↗Initial referral enquiriesreferrals@youcancic.org.uk↗
For an initial enquiry, please send your contact details and a brief outline only. We’ll discuss a suitable way to share any confidential information.