Volunteers needed to help run Code Club

Code Club is a nationwide after-schools programme,which has helped thousands of children learn the basics of computer programming.

Now, there are moves to launch Code Clubs in Northumberland, with work underway to find venues and volunteers to help run the sessions.

Northumberland County Council is hosting information events for anyone keen to get involved or volunteer as a mentor to children aged nine to 11.

One of these events is taking place in Bari Tea, in Alnwick, on Thursday, March 17, from 6pm to 7.30pm. Refreshments will be provided.

People can register to attend via the website EventBrite or by contacting Nathan Fuller on [email protected] or 01670 620 185.

Coun Dave Ledger, the county council’s deputy leader, said: “We live in a digital world, so it’s really important that children have the opportunity to learn the language of computers at an early age. Code Club does exactly that, offering a series of fun and educational sessions which inspires confidence in young people, allows them to express their creativity and make new friends.

“Anyone can run a code club – it doesn’t matter if you’ve never written a line of code because all the advice, support and training you need to be a coding mentor is provided. Running a club is a fun and rewarding way to develop your coding skills too and it will also be a worthwhile addition to your CV.”

Workshops offer a gentle introduction to digital skills, using simple activity sheets and programming tools to start children off creating their own stories, games and animations. In later terms, they are introduced to the basics of web development using HTML and CSS.