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.

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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.

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Confidence to Learn

Would you like to learn new skills or change jobs? It can be hard to get back into learning after a long break. This confidence training will prepare you to feel comfortable stepping back into the classroom. This short course can help you bridge the gaps in your confidence and overcome the obstacles standing in your way to get back into learning. The objective of this course is to get you into a positive mindset to achieve your goals. You will practise a variety of confidence-building exercises to help that mindset shift come from within.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 19/09/2024 -
Thu 12/12/2024
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Scarborough Court (Leicester)
Scarborough Court, 2A Chesterf
Scarborough Court, 2A Chesterf
Leicester
LE5 5LE
Tutor:
Mariam Sidat
Course code:
Q00017188
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.80

Confidence to Learn: Using Canvas to Learn

Are you considering learning new skills or changing careers? Transitioning back into education after a break can be challenging. This course aims to equip you with the confidence needed to re-enter the classroom environment comfortably using an online platform called Canvas.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 19/09/2024 -
Thu 05/06/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
34 sessions
Location:
Community House (London)
311 Fore Street
London
N9 0PZ
Tutor:
Soad Halawa
Course code:
Q00017637
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.80

Meditation and Mindfulness

Leading a busy life leaves little room for calm and relaxation. This can make it hard for us to wind down and enjoy the present. But finding these moments of calm is essential for our emotional well-being and mental health. This meditation and mindfulness course is ideal if you want to learn to relax, be present, and alleviate stress in your life. Meditation courses teach us to recognise the importance of conscious thought in our everyday lives. Develop concentration strategies to help focus your mind. Understand the principles of mindfulness. Learn to block out intrusive thoughts and enjoy the present moment.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 19/09/2024 -
Thu 28/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
The Cornforth Partnership (Ferryhill)
68-70 High Street
West Cornforth
Ferryhill
DL17 9HS
Tutor:
Margaret Mordue
Course code:
Q00018476
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Multiply: Everyday Lifeskills for Thornage Hall

This course, funded through Multiply in Norfolk, is designed to empower individuals with essential everyday life skills. Learners will engage in practical sessions that cover a range of topics including budgeting, art, digital literacy, and effective communication. Tailored to meet the needs of the Thornage Hall community, the course emphasises hands-on learning and real-world applications to enhance independence and confidence. Whether you’re looking to improve your financial management, learn new skills, navigate technology, or boost your interpersonal skills, this course provides the tools and support to thrive in daily life.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 19/09/2024 -
Thu 26/09/2024
Times:
1:30pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Thornage Hall Independent Living
Sharrington Road
Thornage
Holt
Holt
NR25 7QH
Tutor:
Laura Howsen
Course code:
Q00018705
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

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:
£15

Personal Development: Basic Bushcraft Skills

Learn essential bushcraft skills and connect with nature through our Basic Bushcraft Skills course. Explore techniques for outdoor survival, shelter building, and fire making. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in self-sufficiency.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 19/09/2024 -
Thu 24/10/2024
Times:
9:30am - 1:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Rector's Way Allotments (Weston-super-Ma
Rectors Way
Weston-super-Mare
BS23 3NP
Tutor:
Matt Doolan
Course code:
Q00017814
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.20

Cooking Practical: Persian Cookery

Join our 10-week culinary adventure, designed to deepen your understanding of Persian spices and ingredients, master essential cooking techniques, and explore a variety of recipes. Under the expert guidance of our experienced tutor, you'll gain confidence in the kitchen, discover the health benefits of various ingredients, and build a strong foundation for further culinary pursuits. This course offers a perfect blend of theory and practical sessions, providing a comprehensive learning experience that will leave you equipped to create delicious and nutritious meals for yourself, family and friends. Connect with like-minded food enthusiasts and take your cooking skills to the next level.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 19/09/2024 -
Thu 12/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Newcastle Bangladeshi Association
246-248 Elswick Road
Newcastle
NE4 6SN
Tutor:
Maryam Knowles
Course code:
Q00018784
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

Intermediate Yoga

This course is designed to cater to both those who have prior experience with yoga and absolute beginners looking to explore the practice. We will engage in yoga postures synchronised with the breath, carefully adapted to meet each individual's unique needs. In addition to postures, the course includes breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, and guided relaxation to promote overall well-being. The tutor is committed to supporting your personal journey and will be happy to discuss and work with your specific requirements to ensure a positive experience. Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience level or background.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 19/09/2024 -
Thu 19/12/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
13 sessions
Location:
West End Neighbourhood Centre (Leicester
Andrewes Street
Leicester
LE3 5PA
Tutor:
Nerissa Fields
Course code:
Q00018768
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £81.90

Learn Excel and managing finances

This Multiply course, offered online by WEA in Essex, is perfect for beginners without a Level 2 maths qualification who want to upskill in Excel and financial management. This course provides a foundation in using Excel for budgeting, creating basic formulas and financial tracking—key skills for today’s job market. You’ll learn basic Excel functions, financial calculations, and practical problem-solving tailored to real-world financial scenarios. With flexible online learning and support from an experienced tutor, this course helps you build confidence in handling finances, enhancing your employability and preparing you for work-ready roles.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 19/09/2024 -
Thu 19/09/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Chris George
Course code:
Q00019258
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Fitness and Exercise: Getting Fitter in the Outdoors

This creative outdoor course is designed for people of any ability and will help you whatever your fitness level. You only do as much or as little as you want. In the fresh air, through activities such as walking, stretching, yoga, cycling or even boxercise, you will have the chance to gain some confidence and enjoy the world around you. It is a great opportunity to regain and/or increase your confidence, and perfect for meeting others with the same interests. Each session will introduce a different activity and each of them will be outside in the fresh air.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 19/09/2024 -
Thu 24/10/2024
Times:
1:15pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Rector's Way Allotments (Weston-super-Ma
Rectors Way
Weston-super-Mare
BS23 3NP
Tutor:
Matt Doolan
Course code:
Q00017061
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £56.70

Fitness and Exercise: Movement to Music

A fun and friendly exercise class to get you moving and having fun. This course is for adults who use a wheelchair or with limited mobility, but all abilities are welcome to join in at your own pace. Blow away the cobwebs with a workout to your favourite feel good music; a great mixture of oldies and new songs too. Join in with a gentle warm up, then an upper body work out based on dance moves including pom poms, tambourines, and ribbons. Have fun with ball games with your friends and finish with a relaxing cool down and stretch.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 19/09/2024 -
Thu 19/12/2024
Times:
11:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
14 sessions
Location:
Ashley Place (Bognor Regis)
Kings Parade
Bognor Regis
PO21 2QP
Tutor:
Suzanne Swain
Course code:
Q00010879
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.20