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Training Services

We offer our clients a range of training programmes aimed at improving practical skills, increasing employability, developing vocational interests and building confidence.

For professional training courses see our homepage.

Web Design Training

We offer a 16 week course which teaches the fundamental concepts in web design, authoring and implementation using a combination of hand-coding and graphical editors including Dreamweaver and Photoshop. The course leads to an EDCC accredited certificate in Advanced Web Authoring.

What topics are covered?

  • HTML fundamentals: markup and basic text formatting
  • Using Dreamweaver to design page layouts and add extra functionality
  • Using Cascading Style Sheets to apply formatting and layout to a page
  • Images: vectors and bitmaps; creating images for the web using photoshop
  • W3C and web standards: accessibility, validation, platform and browser compatibility
  • Publishing a site: site organisation and structure; uploading with FTP; search engine optimisation and submission.

For more information, visit the course website at www.sjhwebdesigns.com

IT Training

St James's House runs an IT training course which is available to Camden residents aged 18 – 64 who have a mental health need of some sort.

The computer training takes place within St James's House, in its IT training suite of 8 modern PCs using Microsoft Office and Windows.

Trainees receive plenty of support to work at their own pace and at their level of skill, from complete beginners to more advanced.

What is covered in the courses?

Trainees can study towards gaining eDCC certificates at Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced level in any of the following subjects:

  • Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Access and Powerpoint
  • Use of Windows (Windows XP)

With further optional topics such as:

  • Internet Browsing and email
  • File management

How long do the courses last?

The course lasts a maximum of 12 months for 2 sessions per week (including a 6 week trial period of 1 session per week). Training sessions are run Monday to Thursday from 10:30-12:30 am and 2:00-4:00 pm.

How can I apply?

If you are interested in the course ring Brian or Martin on 020 427 5999 or 020 7428 8671 or email: bkennard@sjh.org.uk or mallman@sjh.org.uk. You will also need to complete a referral form, and attend an informal interview at St James’s House.

Active Choices

The Active Choices recovery programme offers vocational training in Graphic Design and Print, Picture Framing, Reception and Administration.

What skills are taught?

The workshops provide training in the following skills:

Graphic Design and Print

  • Graphic design software including Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator and QuarkXPress
  • Practical, hands-on training in using commercial digital printing and finishing equipment

Picture Framing

  • Trainees are trained to the benchmark of the Fine Art Guild specifications for Framers ‘Commended Level’
  • Training in using framing equipment and using different framing and finishing techniques

Reception and Administration

  • NVQ accredited business administration training
  • Work-based training in customer services, managing reception
  • Enables trainees to acquire organisational, assertiveness and interpersonal skills

Who can access the training?

The training is available to Camden residents with a history of mental health problems. See the referral criteria for more information.

The Chameleon Catering Project

Established in 1999, the Project became part of St. James’s House in November 2007.

The project is a registered City and Guilds Hospitality Awarding Body (HAB) NVQ catering accreditation centre. It also provides the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health hygiene certificate.

The project is open to residents of Camden, Islington and surrounding boroughs with mental health difficulties, aged between 18 and 60.

How can you benefit?

The project offers:

  • A structured training programme
  • The chance to learn about the catering industry
  • One to one support from a training supervisor
  • The chance to earn a training allowance and get a free lunch
  • The opportunity to go onto further catering training, placements or employment

What skills are taught?

  • Food safety and hygiene
  • Handling and storage of food
  • Food preparation
  • Use of kitchen equipment and appliances
  • Menu planning
  • Customer care

For more information or to refer, call us on 0207 428 8667 or email kayhorsham@sjh.org.uk.