About the Service
Our Allkind Skills Development Service supports people who may find mainstream training or employment services hard to access.
We help you build skills, confidence, and direction, whether that means moving towards work, education, qualifications, or simply reconnecting with something meaningful.
Our training brings together practical learning, creative activities, and personalised support, so you can take steady steps towards your goals while looking after your mental health.
Who it's for
This service is for adults (18+) who:
- Live in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (by residency or out-of-borough placement)
- Have severe or enduring mental health needs, supported by secondary mental health services or by their GP
- Are on the Serious Mental Illness (SMI) register in primary care
- Are not able to access mainstream training and employment support due to their current mental health
- Would benefit from supported learning, structured training, or help exploring work and education pathways
If you’re unsure whether this service is right for you, our team is happy to help.
Location:
Kensington and Chelsea
Service types:
Training and employment support, Advice and support
Referral types:
Healthcare referral
What we offer
All training is delivered by experienced tutors using person-centred, trauma-informed approaches. Courses are a mix of small group learning and 1:1 tutor support.
Essential Digital Skills - Entry Level and Level 1
Our IT courses offer nationally recognised, regulated qualifications from Pearson Edexcel and AQA. Learners can work towards Essential Digital Skills qualifications at Entry Level 3 and Level 1, which help develop the practical digital skills needed for everyday life, such as communicating online, accessing services, finding information, and using the internet safely.
Alongside this, we offer AQA Unit Awards in IT and digital capability, including a Level 2 Employability Skills unit. These flexible qualifications help learners build confidence step by step, recognise their achievements, and develop skills that support further learning, volunteering, or employment. Our courses are delivered in a supportive environment where learners can develop their digital skills at a pace that works for them.
Practical Horticulture Skills
We run a City and Guilds level 1 Practical Horticulture Course. This is an excellent opportunity for beginner gardeners and experienced gardeners alike. Run in our beautiful wildlife garden participants will sow seeds, grow them on in our polytunnel and plant them out in the garden. The course incorporates many units that cover watering, mowing, preparing the ground for planting and how to manage established plants in the garden.
There are always birds, insects and amphibians to watch and learn about so if you like being outdoors and want a safe space to practice social skills or build a routine this is the course for you.
Training is run on two days a week with an hour for lunch and two tea breaks, with a range of active and sedentary tasks on offer, people can build their stamina slowly. We have a maximum of 15 students at any one time and with rolling starts students can work at their own pace and can learn in the way they wish to.
Painting & Decorating (Accredited)
Our Painting & Decorating course offers learners the opportunity to develop practical skills in a supportive, hands-on workshop environment. Delivered at our fully equipped Acklam Road site, the course is ideal for beginners or those looking to build confidence and gain experience in the construction industry.
Learners work towards a nationally recognised City & Guilds Level 1 qualification while developing key skills such as preparing surfaces, applying paint using brushes and rollers, producing decorative finishes, and hanging wallpaper. Health and safety is a core part of the course, ensuring learners understand how to work safely and effectively.
The course is delivered through practical, workshop-based learning supported by tutor demonstrations and portfolio building. Learners can work at their own pace, build confidence gradually, and develop skills that support progression into further training, apprenticeships, or employment.
Employability Skills
Build confidence, independence, workplace skills and tools for moving into employment or progressing in your career.
How the training works
- Courses run on flexible timetables and operate on a rolling basis
- Training can last up to 12 months, depending on qualification level
- You’ll receive regular feedback, reviews and tailored support
- All materials, tools and protective equipment are provided
- Assessments are carried out by tutors and accredited awarding bodies
- You can take breaks if you need time for your mental health, your place is kept for you
We also work closely with mental health professionals, and can connect you to workshops, peer support and other services if helpful.
What people say about the service
These words capture what this service is all about: helping people feel seen, heard and less alone.
How to access support
Get in touch
Referrals are accepted from:
- Kensington & Chelsea Community Mental Health Hubs
- Primary Care Liaison Nurses / Community Mental Health Nurses
- GPs (for individuals on the SMI Register)
- Approved RBKC referral pathways
Need help or have questions?
We’re here to help you find the learning path that feels right for you. If you have questions or would like to talk to the team, please contact the details below.