http://www.bloc.org/ News from Bloc http://www.bloc.org.uk/cgi-bin/showbig.cgi?id=77 The bloc bulletin is a free email publication containing news about bloc activities as well as breaking news about events and opportunities in Wales, the UK and beyond for the creative technology sector. The bulletin is published fortnightly. Bulletin subscribers are also able to add their own news to the bulletin.Subscribe to the Bulletin at: http://www.bloc.org.uk/3-2.html http://www.bloc.org.uk/cgi-bin/showbig.cgi?id= http://www.bloc.org.uk/cgi-bin/showbig.cgi?id=1304%26news=true Home Access is a government drive that helps low-income families who currently lack access to a computer and/or internet to get online at home. The programme is aimed at those that need it most. If you are a low-income family in receipt of certain benefits you could qualify for a grant to buy a computer and/or a minimum of one years’ internet access.

Depending on what you need, the grant allows eligible applicants to buy one of the following packages:

1. Full package (a computer, one year`s internet access, service and support)
2. A computer with service and support only
3. One year`s internet access only

To qualify, you must be a parent or guardian responsible for and living with a child: who is in school years 3 to 9 inclusive; who attends a state-maintained school in England full time; who has not already had a computer from a Home Access Grant or similar programme, such as Computers for Pupils? You must also receive one of the following: Free school meals; Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance; Income support; Child Tax Credit but not Working Tax Credit and an income of less than £16,040; Guaranteed Pension Credit (not Savings Credit); Income-based Employment Support Allowance; Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

For more information go to http://www.homeaccess.org.uk/... http://www.bloc.org.uk/cgi-bin/showbig.cgi?id=1303%26news=true Have you ever thought of setting up in business on your own? If so, this March is the time to get inspired to do it! The Welsh Assembly Government’s Flexible Support for Business (FS4B) programme is running a series of workshops called My Business Story in Aberystwyth, Wrexham, Cardiff, Carmarthen, Swansea and Bangor. They are designed specifically for people from under represented groups, including women and young people, individuals from ethnic communities, Welsh speakers and disabled people.

Drawing on the real experiences of people from the world of sport and business, the events will aim to inspire and motivate you if you have you ever considered becoming self-employed, but have not been sure how to take the first steps. The dates and locations for the events, which all take place between 10.30am and 3.30pm and include lunch and refreshments, are:

- Wednesday 17 March, Aberystwyth University
- Thursday 18 March, Wrexham Racecourse
- Wednesday 24 March, Cardiff City Stadium
- Thursday 25 March, Trinity College, Carmarthen
- Monday 29 March, Liberty Stadium
- Wednesday 31 March, Technium CAST, Bangor

For more details, or to register, go to www.mybusinessstory.co.uk or call the event organisers, Quadrant, on 029 2069 4900. ...