One small course... One giant leap towards recovery.

...make positive changes
...learn new skills
...get a qualification
...make new friends
...improve your job prospects
...live your life

What is the NEW Portal Programme?

The Portal Programme is a range of courses that give people who are recovering from drug or alcohol problems the opportunity to take positive steps towards a life in recovery and learn new skills.

Recently redesigned, the programme offers you the chance to gain a national qualification and more flexibility in how you learn.  It aims to improve your confidence and help you realise your potential.   It can help you to get back into education or find employment. 

The programme provides a safe and relaxed environment for you to study whilst getting support from your fellow students. 

Who is the Portal Programme for?

The programme is open to anyone who is:

• Committed to achieving and maintaining positive life changes.
• Interested in getting back into education.                             
• Interested in improving their chances of getting a job.
• Giving up or reducing drugs or alcohol.
• Leaving a community-based or residential recovery programme.
• Due to leave or recently left a custodial institution.
• Cooperating with or about to complete a community sentence.

 Different ways you can study

Modules

On the 12 week award level programme you will cover the following:

• Developing personal confidence and self awareness.
• Preparation for work.

And either:

• Personal budgeting and money management.
• Or an ICT unit, depending on your need.

The bite-size modules include:

• Food hygiene (Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Level 2)
• Emergency first aid.
• Time management skills.
• Personal budgeting and managing money.
• Speaking and listening skills.

Qualifications

Students who successfully complete the 12 week course will gain a National Open College Network (NOCN) Progression Award.   

Those who go on to successfully complete the 12 week course and the bite-size modules (6 months total) will gain a NOCN Progression Certificate, a higher level qualification.   

The bite-sized modules can offer you a chance to learn new skills in manageable chunks.

 What support is available to students?

• Your fellow students can offer you peer support and a new network of like-minded friends.
• Support from the SMART team, who are experienced in helping people work towards recovery.
• A taste of further education and advice from the college about how you could take your studies further.
• Advice on long term employment needs.
• Entry into the SMART volunteer mentor programme, if appropriate.

Benefits to studying

In taking the course you become a student of Oxford and Cherwell Valley College who offer a second chance to study, achieve qualifications and, if you wish, progress to study at universities throughout the UK. 

Other opportunities include:

• learning in a relaxed and supportive environment.
• use of local college library and computers.
• experience of the social and cultural life of college.
• seek information, advice and guidance on your current and future studies or career moves.

How the Portal Programme has helped others

“I didn’t know what I needed to do to get a job but now I feel like I’ve been given another chance at life.  The Portal Programme has given me prospects, a qualification and a reason to get on”

“Those 12 weeks were a turning point in my life, my saving grace, and I met others who could understand some of my background.” 

“I never thought anyone would want to employ me again... The Portal Programme helped me see my potential” 

Find out more about the Portal Programme

To find out more about any of the Portal Programme modules, please contact us using the details below.

The bite-sized modules will only run when we have enough students signed up to a module.  Please get in touch if you are interested in any of the subjects offered.

You will be required to fill out an application form and attend an informal interview before being accepted onto the programme.

SMART, The Old Music Hall, 106-108 Cowley Road,

Cowley, Oxford OX4 1JE

Tel  01865 403 151          

Email  info@smartcjs.org.uk