A new centre to help adults who have difficulty with literacy and numeracy is set to be launched next month.

The AdVance Centre, based in Ambleside Drive, Southend, and will be opened on July 1 by the town's mayor councillor Charles Latham.

Meg Thomas, AdVance Centre co-ordinator, said: "What distinguishes us from other training providers is that we offer people one-to-one support, focusing on the skills that matter to the individual.

"People will be given an initial skills assessment which will shape the training programme that they follow at the centre."

The centre expects to help people who have difficulties filling in forms, writing letters, reports, budgeting and creating CVs.

The centre is run by the AdVance Partnership - made up of Southend Adult Community College and Southend Association of Voluntary Services.

Among the facilities are 20 computer stations and full internet access and full access for the disabled.

Funding for the centre has come from the Learning and Skills Council and East of England Development Agency.

Published Friday, June 20, 2003