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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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 16/01/2025 -
Thu 27/03/2025
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:
Q00020025
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

Craft: Sugar Craft

This FREE Sugar Craft course is designed to introduce you to the art of creating beautiful and intricate designs using sugar. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this course covers a wide range of techniques and provides hands-on experience to help you master sugar craft. Course will include the basics of sugar craft including the different types of sugar and edible materials to create your decorations. You will also cover the materials an tools required to create your beautiful decorations.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 17/01/2025 -
Fri 28/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Deaf Hill Ward Regeneration Partnership
Trimdon Station Community Centre
Station Road East
Trimdon Station
Durham
North East
TS29 6BS
Tutor:
Jayne Clark
Course code:
Q00019214
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Textiles and Fashion: From Patterns to Projects: Intermediate Sewing Skills

This course is designed for sewing enthusiasts who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to take their skills to the next level. Focusing on understanding patterns and creating polished, professional-quality projects, this course bridges the gap between beginner and advanced sewing.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 17/01/2025 -
Fri 18/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
22 sessions
Location:
Ocean Road Community Association (South
Ocean Road
South Shields
NE33 2DW
Tutor:
Anila Maqbool
Course code:
Q00020804
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £325.60

Cooking Practical: Air Fryer Cooking

Unlock the full potential of your air fryer with our comprehensive 5-week course designed for beginners and those with some basic experience. Our Air Fryer Cooking course goes beyond simple recipes, teaching you to create delicious and nutritious meals with ease. Each weekly session will be packed with hands-on demonstrations, expert tips, and insights into the health benefits of using fresh ingredients and spices. You will gain a thorough understanding of air fryer functionalities and features. You will overcome common limitations and expand your air fryer cooking repertoire and develop confidence in creating nutritious meals that go beyond the basics.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 17/01/2025 -
Fri 07/02/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Riverside Community Health Project (Newc
Carnegie Building
Atkinson Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE4 8XS
Tutor:
Nadia Belmajdoub
Course code:
Q00019133
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £52.50

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Regaining Confidence and Self-Esteem

Do you ever feel unsure of yourself? Perhaps around new people or at job interviews? If so, this self-esteem course can help you build tools to face these situations with confidence. Low self-esteem can hold you back in all areas of life. Whether you’d like to build confidence to step back into education, meet new people, or change jobs, confidence-building courses can teach you essential tools to change your mindset. Learn how to build self-esteem and overcome obstacles that are holding you back. The first step in your journey is believing you can successfully complete this course! Confidence training teaches you how to ask yourself important questions and understand why your self-esteem is low. This is the first step towards changing your inner speech and boosting confidence. Learn techniques to motivate yourself and be more assertive.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 20/01/2025 -
Mon 24/02/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Tricuro -Parkstone Connect Day Centre (P
Croft Road
Poole
BH12 3LD
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00017000
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £63.00

Help your Child with Numeracy Multiply

Improve your child's numeracy skills with practical tips and strategies in this course. Ideal for parents and carers looking to support their child's learning at home.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 20/01/2025 -
Mon 03/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Somerstown Central Community Hub (Souths
Rivers Street
Somerstown
Southsea
PO5 4EY
Tutor:
Gillian Futcher
Course code:
Q00017112
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Trade Union Education: Gaslighting – Intimate Relationships

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 as a form of emotional abuse in the context of intimate relationships. We will explore what the word actually means (its use and misuse), how to recognise the signs, and what can be done about it. There will be an information sheet available to all attendees with details of where to get help.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 20/01/2025 -
Mon 20/01/2025
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Matthew Pointon
Course code:
Q00018672
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

Craft: Sugar Craft

This FREE Sugar Craft course is designed to introduce you to the art of creating beautiful and intricate designs using sugar. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this course covers a wide range of techniques and provides hands-on experience to help you master sugar craft. Course will include the basics of sugar craft including the different types of sugar and edible materials to create your decorations. You will also cover the materials an tools required to create your beautiful decorations.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 20/01/2025 -
Mon 03/03/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Wingate & Station Town family centre
Partridge Terrace
Wingate
TS28 5BD
Tutor:
Jayne Clark
Course code:
Q00019067
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Beginners 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:
Mon 20/01/2025 -
Mon 17/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
St Johns Church (Macclesfield)
Wilwick Lane
Macclesfield
SK11 8RS
Tutor:
Debra Blinston
Course code:
Q00020670
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £67.20

Navigating Digital Information Multiply

Improve your digital literacy with our Navigating Digital Information Multiply course. Learn how to find, evaluate, and use digital information effectively. Ideal for individuals seeking to enhance their digital skills for personal and professional use. This course, funded through Multiply in Portsmouth, 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. 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:
Mon 20/01/2025 -
Mon 03/03/2025
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Somerstown Central Community Hub (Souths
Rivers Street
Somerstown
Southsea
PO5 4EY
Tutor:
Gillian Futcher
Course code:
Q00017143
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free