Courses to build life skills

Learn life skills with the largest charitable provider of adult education in England and Scotland. Adult learning isn’t like school. Everyone belongs at the WEA. You’ll get meaningful, and tailored support, so you can reach your full potential. Our classes are friendly and fun, designed for adults like you. We won’t talk down to you and you’ll learn skills that you’ll use in everyday life.

Skip to courses

What are life skills?

Simply put, they are skills that make everyday life easier. Life skills include cooking, budgeting, communicating with others, health, well-being and managing emotions. Sometimes this means learning new things, and sometimes it means building on things you already know.

Sometimes adulting can be hard. These courses can help make it feel just that bit easier, make you feel more independent and empower you to face the future ahead.

Small steps to larger goals

You don’t have to have big goals in mind. Just take small steps towards boosting your skills and improving your wellbeing. Whether it is learning to budget better or cook healthier food. Building your confidence or gaining independence. There is a course for you.

When you study with us, you will:

  • Build your confidence
  • Learn new life skills
  • Improve your everyday life and wellbeing

Take a look at our great range of courses and start making a positive change today.

Please enter your postcode

In order for us to give you accurate results for your courses, please click on the Search options and enter your postcode and the mile radius for your search.

Refine search

How you'll learn

Your location

Please enter your postcode or town for your search in the boxes below.

We have defaulted the search to ten miles, but you can change this number in the box as you wish.

Sort by start date

Choose to sort the course start date in ascending order (furthest away dates first) or descending (most recent dates first)

Results per page

Days

Other Filters

Part of day
Level of study
Availability
Search for the branch name/location, without adding branch e.g. Barnet

Confidence to Learn

Confidence to Learn Are you currently studying? On this Confidence to Learn course, you will develop study skills that will help direct you to a more focused way of studying. If you have not studied for a long time, or worried about how to start an assignment, or manage your time, this is the course for you. You will have the opportunity to personalise your approach to study and learning. Over the course you will find out what works best for you. General study skills are not for a specific subject, they are skills that cover all subject areas. The study skills you will develop at this level will help as you go through each topic on the course. To develop your study skills, you will practise a variety of tasks such as time management, active listening skills, note taking and many more. This will help you become more confident in the way you study. Study skills are not just for this course, they can be used in a variety of ways, for example solving problems in everyday life and managing your time successfully and learning to remain focused on a task. This course will run alongside the main course you are studying and provide you with the tools to successfully complete your studies with confidence. The main topics that will be covered in this course will be: • Time management– create a study timetable to help manage your course material more effectively and how best to break up your study time. • Note Taking – learn proved methods of creating notes from your sessions that are clear and precise, which will help you remember and understand what is necessary for a better understanding of your course. • Mind Maps – show you how to create a visual map of ideas and put together the information learned on your course. • Teach others – you will get the opportunity to explain what you have learned to others and discover areas that need improving. • Goal setting – you will learn how to create your own study goals after each session to help you stay o

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 16/10/2024 -
Wed 26/02/2025
Times:
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Duration:
16 sessions
Location:
Daubeney Children's Centre/ Primary Scho
103 Daubeney Road
Hackney
London
E5 0EG
Tutor:
Allison McClean
Course code:
Q00017619
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60

Cooking Practical: SCC-Learning to Cook-Life Skills

Welcome to the Learning to Cook Life Skills Course! This course is perfect for beginners who want to learn essential cooking skills. You will learn how to prepare simple and healthy meals. We will teach you basic cooking techniques, such as chopping, boiling, and frying. You will also learn how to read recipes, measure ingredients, and use kitchen tools safely. Our friendly tutor will guide you through each step. By the end of the course, you will be able to cook delicious meals for yourself and your family. Join us and gain the confidence to cook at home! This course is only for those who are living in Southampton.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 23/10/2024 -
Wed 11/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Mount Pleasant School (Southampton)
Mount Pleasant Road
Newtown
Southampton
SO14 0WZ
Tutor:
Tracey Sweetman
Course code:
Q00017063
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.20

Cooking Practical: Cooking from Scratch - Autumn Recipes

Cooking at home from scratch is a technique to create home cooked food in a way which is healthy for you. You are certain about all the ingredients which are in the dish, no hidden ingredients. You are in control of what you are putting in your food and eating. Preparing food for the family reflects your love for them. Cooking at home can be a new skill to learn. During this course your tutor will give you demonstration and individual attention for your guidance. In this course you will be cooking food which you can enjoy after each session with your loved ones.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 05/11/2024 -
Tue 03/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kauser Nabeel
Course code:
Q00017599
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

Personal Development: Introduction to mindfulness

Thrive in a Changing World: Build Your Emotional Resilience Feeling overwhelmed by life's constant challenges? This 7-week Emotional Resilience course equips you with powerful tools to navigate uncertainty and build inner strength. Explore how your thoughts, emotions, and experiences influence your mental wellbeing and overall resilience. Discover effective coping strategies to manage stress, stay positive, and communicate effectively in your social circles. By examining your life perspective and approach, you'll gain the confidence to recharge your batteries and cultivate a more positive outlook.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 05/11/2024 -
Tue 17/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
KCU Ltd at Fuller Church (Kettering)
51 Gold Street
Kettering
NN16 8JB
Tutor:
Caroline Smy
Course code:
Q00016606
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £58.80

WEA Membership

For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
  • Access an archive of over 100 past lectures,
  • Get priority online and phone booking for autumn courses (England only),
  • Receive our Highway magazine and access back issues,
  • Attend our members’ annual conference.

Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
WEA Membership

Personal Development: Gratitude journalling

Deepen Your Mindfulness Practice: Intermediate Level Ready to take your mindfulness journey to the next level? This 6-week course builds upon your existing knowledge and techniques, empowering you to significantly reduce stress and enhance overall well-being. Explore powerful practices like mindful breathing, cultivating a mindful brain, and integrating mindfulness into daily activities. Discover how just a few minutes a day can transform your busy life, fostering inner calm and reducing stress levels.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 06/11/2024 -
Wed 18/12/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
14 sessions
Location:
KCU Ltd at Fuller Church (Kettering)
51 Gold Street
Kettering
NN16 8JB
Tutor:
Caroline Smy
Course code:
Q00016622
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £58.80

Lipreading and Managing Hearing Loss

Come along and join our friendly lipreading group in Hayle. This class is suitable for all levels of lipreaders and is ideal for those recently experiencing hearing loss. Our experienced tutor will guide you through the basics of lipreading and show you how to practice your lipreading skills in everyday life. Research has shown that attending a lipreading class can give you greater: • Confidence to communicate with others • Control over your hearing loss, as you develop new communication skills • Independence, as you’re less reliant on others to help you follow conversation (Source RNID.org.uk) You will learn in a supportive environment alongside other learners who will be able to share their experiences of hearing loss and learn how to overcome them together

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 07/11/2024 -
Thu 12/12/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Hayle Community Centre
58 Queensway
Hayle
TR27 4NX
Tutor:
Janet Corbett Marston
Course code:
Q00017041
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.40

Managing Stress

Do you find it difficult to wind down? When we’re stressed it’s hard to feel calm and relaxed. But you don’t have to live with constant stress. There are simple techniques you can learn to manage it. This stress awareness course is helpful for anyone who wants to learn to alleviate stress. In this course we will learn how to identify stress risk factors, recognise the symptoms of stress, and apply techniques to reduce it. Depending on your needs, there are various study options after this course.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 07/11/2024 -
Thu 12/12/2024
Location:
Alpha Omega Women Peace
Security Foundation
Unit 10
Coppicemere Drive
Crewe
CW1 6HY
Course code:
Q00016708
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Personal Development: Healthy Family Food on a Budget

Cooking homemade food doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Learn how to feed the whole family with tasty and affordable meals in this cooking on a budget course. This is a cooking and personal finance course rolled into one. You’ll get practical budgeting tips you can apply in the kitchen. This course is ideal for you if you’d like to learn how to cook homemade meals on a reduced budget. Learn how to select nutritious ingredients to prepare wholesome meals without breaking the bank. Brainstorm recipe ideas with the class to make use of leftovers. Get tips on how to store food properly to avoid wastage. Learn how to save money when doing food shopping and other budgeting tips.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 07/11/2024 -
Thu 19/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Clare House (SCUNTHORPE)
31 Wells Street
SCUNTHORPE
DN15 6HL
Tutor:
Amie-Alissa Watson
Course code:
Q00017967
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £58.80

Building Emotional Resilience

Do you often feel overwhelmed? Would you like to have more control over your emotions? This course can teach you how to build emotional resilience through effective emotional awareness and confidence-building exercises. It’s easy to feel like everything is getting on top of us during these uncertain times. This Mental Resilience training can help you identify small steps to maintain calm during challenging situations. Avoid feeling like everything is unravelling and learn to deal with challenges when they come.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 08/11/2024 -
Fri 22/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Leicestershire Recovery College (Groby)
C/O Bradgare Unit
Glenfield Hospital Site
Groby
LE3 9EJ
Tutor:
Harsha Kotecha
Course code:
Q00017259
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

Practical BSL for Use in Everyday Situations for Beginners

This exciting and innovative programme of online BSL courses will unlock and introduce you to British Sign Language for use in a variety of everyday situations. You will establish a clear and solid foundation of BSL vocabulary and conversational techniques that will unlock your ability to communicate and converse with other BSL users. Learning BSL is an enriching and rewarding opportunity to not only learn a new language but to foster an understanding of the Deaf community and the importance of access, inclusion and equality for all. Utilising a rich variety of online resources and interactive activities, this programme will equip you with the skills to confidently communicate with other BSL users and bridge the divide between the hearing and the Deaf. It comprises of 3 courses/workshops, that will take place on 11th, 18th and 25th November, with a total fee of £22.20

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 11/11/2024 -
Tue 25/11/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
P00000081
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available