ABOUT INFORMAL LEARNING

Informal Learning is a not-for-profit organisation focussed on housing and supporting the homeless in and around Wakefield, West Yorkshire. As an organisation, we take great pride in the positive outcomes of our service-users, who constitute some of the most disadvantaged and deprived individuals in the district.

Founded in 2008 by Marilyn Iwanuschak, Informal Learning primarily focussed on youth and community work. Having previously managed and supported numerous organisations and community initiatives across the UK, Marilyn used her knowledge and expertise to establish a close and trusting relationship with the local community, and in doing so we found ourselves highly regarded in our endeavours.

Through this youth work a major problem was brought to our attention: homelessness. Over the past few years Informal Learning has diversified itself to address this ever-growing issue, not merely through housing the homeless, but through building up an outstanding support network, consisting of not only our highly qualified and experienced support workers, but through working closely with a wide range of specialist organisations, including:

• West Yorkshire Probation Trust
• West Yorkshire Police
• Prisons
• The Wellbeing consortium
• Spectrum
• Turning Point
• The Drug Intervention Programme
• The Alcohol Team
• The Mental Health Team
• Crisis Team and Insight
• Leeds City Council
• Wakefield Metropolitan District Council
• Family Support services
• Rent Deposit Scheme
• Groundwork
• The 5 a day team
• Well Women's Centre
• Community health workers
• Chaplaincy Teams
• Vulnerable Adults Service
• Green Pastures
• The Saviour Trust

Our strong affiliations with national organisations including the RANK foundation, Green Pastures Housing and the YMCA George Williams College in London gives us an established presence throughout the UK.