Here are just a few words to explain to you what Third Age Foundation is all about - in case you don't know. Third Age is helping disadvantaged people (40+) find a new direction, upskill them in up-to-date computer technology, including personal development and an action plan in an innovative holistic way. Students are mature, experienced people, who through no fault of their own, have been out of work or who are in work but "vulnerable", either because they have been made redundant or forced into early retirement or are about to do so, or for other or domestic reasons have had a career break and are having difficulty finding work or extra work - mainly because of their age.

Ageism makes no economic sense - especially as half of the UK population is over 40. Because people are living longer and are fitter and more active than ever before, they are likely to have another 30 - 40 years of active life ahead. By helping students assess their lives, motivating them, and showing them how to decide what path they should follow next to achieve their goals, as well as training them in Information Technology using up-to-date packages and giving them an OCR/RSA ITQ LEVEL 1, ITQ LEVEL 2 or ITQ LEVEL 3 qualification in Office e.g.Word Processing (Word), Spreadsheets (Excel), Database (Access),and/or New Media e.g. DTP, Website Design, Powerpoint, Photoshop, as well as a quick introduction to the E-Mail and Internet, Third Age has been very successful in finding a role for a large number of their students and thus helping the country's economy. Pensioners and mature students can learn computer skills working to achieve the OCR/RSA ICT Skills for Life.

At the end of the programme students are able to compete in today's job market and have the confidence to challenge age discrimination. About 50% of students get back into an economic role, be it in full/part-time/contract/temporary work, self-employment, volunteering or mentoring in the local community.

Third Age Foundation receives funding from the European Social Fund (ESF), is co-financed by London Councils (FORCE 50+ project); the Learning Skills Council (IAG nextsteps projects); and previously was funded by London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, the Bank of England, SRB, Socrates/Grundtvig; London Development Agency, EQUAL, ARGOS, Shepherds Bush Housing Association, National Lottery Charities Board (Community Fund), Peabody Community Trust Fund, Henry Smith's Charity as well as some local charities like Dr Edwards' and Bishop King's Fulham Charity, and the Daisy Trust. Third Age is also particularly grateful to Barclays Bank PLC for their continued support.