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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Personal Development: Confidence Building for Life and Studying

Unleash your confidence. This unique 4-week course goes beyond typical confidence-building programs. We'll delve deeper, helping you understand the science of confidence and how to apply powerful techniques to conquer challenges in various situations.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 02/10/2024 -
Wed 18/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
24 sessions
Location:
KCU Ltd at Fuller Church (Kettering)
51 Gold Street
Kettering
NN16 8JB
Tutor:
Caroline Smy
Course code:
Q00016558
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £92.40

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Introduction to ADHD

Would you like to find out more about ADHD? This course will help you learn about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. You will discover other conditions that are commonly experienced alongside ADHD. A big focus of the course is on how to support a child, young person or an adult with ADHD. You will gain an understanding of a range of different strategies and interventions which may be beneficial in a home, school or even work setting. You’ll also find out how assessments are carried out and how to apply for an EHCP to give a child that all important extra support in school.  

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 02/10/2024 -
Wed 30/10/2024
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Paula Hellal
Course code:
Q00011461
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

Fitness and Exercise: National Back Care Awareness Week: Yoga to support back-care management

Did you know that it is estimated that 80% of adults will suffer with back pain at some point in their lives. Back problems are one of the main causes of time off work. Back pain can last a few days, may come and go, or can become a chronic condition. Back care Awareness week aims to empower people with the knowledge and tools to both prevent back problems and to maintain a healthy back. Medical guidance encourages us to keep moving, stretch it out, and try to ease symptoms of stress to better manage back ache. Yoga is an excellent tool to support a healthy back and can be practiced by anyone. This mat-based session will introduce you to simple stretches and postures that

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 02/10/2024 -
Wed 02/10/2024
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Nicola Bailey
Course code:
Q00018227
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

Trade Union Education: Gaslighting – Family & Friends

Do you know what ‘gaslighting’ is? Most people have heard of the term, but many do not understand what it really means. This workshop will delve into the issue of gaslighting in the context of relationships with family and friends. We will explore what the word actually means (its use and misuse), how to recognise the signs, and what can be done about it.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 02/10/2024 -
Wed 02/10/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Matthew Pointon
Course code:
Q00018673
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

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

Cooking Practical: Beginners

Learn the basics of cooking with our Cooking Practical: Beginners course. Develop fundamental kitchen skills and create delicious, nutritious meals. Ideal for individuals new to cooking looking to gain confidence in the kitchen.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 02/10/2024 -
Wed 18/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Wesley Hall Community Centre (Leicester)
76 Hartington Road
Leicester
LE2 0GN
Tutor:
Jamila Mohammed Khanbhai
Course code:
Q00017240
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
4 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £92.40

Fitness & Exercise: Pilates for beginners

This FREE 10-week Pilates course offers a comprehensive introduction to the core principles of Pilates, focusing on building strength, improving flexibility, and enhancing the mind-body connection. Designed for beginners through intermediate levels, the course will guide participants through a series of low-impact exercises that promote proper alignment, breathing techniques, and controlled movements. This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to integrate Pilates into your regular fitness routine, helping you achieve a balanced, strong, and flexible body. Materials required: Pilates mat and comfortable clothing. Materials can be provided by your tutor, so please don’t worry if you haven’t got a mat.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 02/10/2024 -
Wed 11/12/2024
Times:
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Horden Centennial Centre
7th Street
Horden
Peterlee
SR8 4LX
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00019057
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Healthy Living: Lip Reading

Hearing impairments bring a variety of challenges, both to those who lose their hearing and their loved ones. Luckily, there are communication techniques you can learn to be able to maintain healthy interactions. Learn to communicate effectively despite hearing impairments with this beginners’ lip reading course. This course is appropriate for you if you have hearing impairments or if you’d like to communicate with a friend or family member with hearing loss. Lip reading for beginners gives you an introduction to some essential lip shapes. Explore deaf awareness issues to understand how hearing loss affects communication. Learn about speech patterns and cues to facilitate interactions.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 02/10/2024 -
Wed 27/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Congleton Library (Congleton)
Congleton Library
Market Street
Congleton
CW12 1BU
Tutor:
Debra Blinston
Course code:
Q00016672
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £67.20

Multiply: Everyday Lifeskills for Thornage Hall 2

This follow-on course, funded through Multiply in Norfolk, aims to further empower individuals with essential everyday life skills. Learners will engage in practical sessions covering topics like budgeting, art, digital literacy, and effective communication. Tailored to the evolving 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, acquire new skills, navigate technology, or boost interpersonal skills, this course offers the tools and support needed to thrive in daily life.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 03/10/2024 -
Thu 17/10/2024
Times:
1:30pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Thornage Hall Independent Living
Sharrington Road
Thornage
Holt
Holt
NR25 7QH
Tutor:
Laura Howsen
Course code:
Q00018831
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Personal Development: Individual Growth and Self-awareness

Embark on a transformative journey with this 11-week course focused on personal development and self-awareness. Run by an experienced tutor this course seeks to empower participants in various aspects of their lives. Through workshops, discussions, and activities, participants will develop emotional intelligence, confidence, and resilience. Join us to nurture self-discovery, strengthen relationships, and navigate life's challenges with a newfound sense of purpose. There will be an enrolment session at the venue on 5th September between 10-2. Please bring photographic ID, proof of address and proof of benefits (if applicable). Learners cannot attend the course until fully enrolled.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 03/10/2024 -
Thu 16/01/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
13 sessions
Location:
Millan Centre (Bradford)
Victor Street
Bradford
BD9 4RA
Tutor:
Tanzeela Javid
Course code:
Q00011567
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £92.40

Personal Development: Understanding how to look after personal Health

In the previous short courses learners have learnt how to Manage their personal finances Plan a move to a new home Maintain a new home understand credit and borrowing money take care of personal health and hygiene This final course is about bringing all the learning together to support learners to create a realistic plan of when and how they may be able to progress into independent living and successfully their own tenancy. Ultimately the aim of the course is to help the service users of St Petrocs move onto the next stage of their lives after experiencing homelessness.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 04/10/2024 -
Fri 04/10/2024
Times:
11:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
St Petroc's Parish Centre (Bodmin)
Church Square
Bodmin
PL31 2DP
Tutor:
Julian Roberts
Course code:
Q00017488
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £16.80