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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Healthy Living: Meditation and Mindfulness to improve mental focus and productivity

Enhance your focus and productivity with our Meditation and Mindfulness for Mental Focus course. This class focuses on techniques to sharpen concentration, enhance mental clarity, and boost productivity. Through guided meditations and mindfulness practices, you will learn to maintain focus, manage distractions, and optimize your cognitive performance. Suitable for all levels, this course empowers you to cultivate a more focused and efficient mindset.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 22/04/2025 -
Tue 20/05/2025
Times:
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Nicola Bailey
Course code:
Q00018255
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £27.75

Fitness and Exercise: Yoga to support stress management

Discover how yoga can help you manage stress with our Yoga to Support Stress Management course. This class focuses on yoga practices designed to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Through a combination of gentle postures, breathwork, and mindfulness techniques, you will learn methods to calm the mind and relieve tension in the body. Suitable for all levels, this course encourages you to listen to your body and adapt practices to meet your individual needs. Enjoy a supportive environment where you can develop effective strategies for managing stress, enhancing your overall well-being through the practice of yoga.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 25/04/2025 -
Fri 23/05/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:00am
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Nicola Bailey
Course code:
Q00018235
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.30

Healthy Living: Mindful Relaxation to support stress management

Do you want to better manage stress and enhance your overall well-being? This course focuses on mindful relaxation practices to support stress management. Stress can cause physical and mental tension, but through mindful relaxation, you can learn to ease this tension and find calm. We will focus on body awareness, breathwork, and mindful movements to reduce stress. Each session will conclude with a guided relaxation practice designed to support stress relief. Everyone can benefit from these practices to manage stress more effectively and improve quality of life.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 25/04/2025 -
Fri 23/05/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Nicola Bailey
Course code:
Q00018258
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £27.75

Advanced British Sign Language

Learn to have in-depth interactions in BSL. Embrace inclusive communication and help dismantle communication barriers in society. Knowing how to sign can help you in a variety of situations where you need to interact with deaf people. This BSL course is suitable for you if you need to communicate with deaf people or people with hearing impairments. It can help you in a variety of contexts, for example in a voluntary or community role, or simply in social interactions. This course is aimed at advanced-level learners who have a solid base in British Sign Language (BSL). If you are not at an advanced level yet, you can take a beginner’s or improver’s BSL course.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 28/04/2025 -
Mon 14/07/2025
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Helen Watson
Course code:
Q00018017
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

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

Fitness and Exercise: Monday Movement this Summer - Basic Contemporary Modern Dance Steps for All

This is a great way to start the week if you like doing exercise, dancing and having fun. Keep fit and exercise with a fun and feelgood hour of music and movement and relaxation. Work at your own pace and level. Each session you will work on: - breathing exercises - simple stretching (to get warmed up & alert) - easy aerobic sequences - basic CONTEMPORARY MODERN dance moves (to incorporate into an uplifting song)

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 12/05/2025 -
Mon 16/06/2025
Times:
10:00am - 11:00am
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Helen Watson
Course code:
Q00018020
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £18.50

Fitness and Exercise: Mental Health Awareness week – Yoga to improve mental wellbeing

In honour of Mental Health Awareness Week, join our Yoga to Improve Mental Wellbeing course. This class focuses on yoga practices designed to enhance mental health and emotional balance. Through a blend of gentle postures, breathwork, and mindfulness techniques, you will learn methods to calm the mind and support mental clarity. Suitable for all levels, this course encourages you to listen to your body and adapt practices to meet your individual needs. Enjoy a supportive environment where you can develop effective strategies for improving your mental wellbeing and overall quality of life through yoga.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 15/05/2025 -
Thu 15/05/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Nicola Bailey
Course code:
Q00018236
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £8.40

Healthy Living: Meditation and Mindfulness to support emotional resilience

Cultivate emotional resilience with our Meditation and Mindfulness for Emotional Resilience course. This class focuses on practices to manage emotions, build inner strength, and enhance emotional well-being. Through guided meditations and mindfulness techniques, you will learn to regulate emotions, cultivate compassion, and navigate life's challenges with greater ease. Suitable for all levels, this course empowers you to develop emotional resilience in a supportive learning environment.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 03/06/2025 -
Tue 15/07/2025
Times:
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Nicola Bailey
Course code:
Q00018254
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £38.85

Fitness and Exercise: Yoga to improve mental wellbeing

Enhance your mental wellbeing with our Yoga to Improve Mental Wellbeing course. This class focuses on yoga practices designed to promote mental clarity, emotional balance, and stress reduction. Through a combination of gentle postures, breathwork, and mindfulness techniques, you will learn methods to calm the mind and support mental health. Suitable for all levels, this course encourages mindful movement and listening to your body's needs. Enjoy a supportive environment where you can develop effective strategies for improving your mental wellbeing and overall quality of life through the practice of yoga.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 06/06/2025 -
Fri 11/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:00am
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Nicola Bailey
Course code:
Q00018238
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.30

Healthy Living: Mindful Relaxation to support mental well-being

Do you want to better manage stress and enhance your overall well-being? This course focuses on mindful relaxation practices to support stress management. Stress can cause physical and mental tension, but through mindful relaxation, you can learn to ease this tension and find calm. We will focus on body awareness, breathwork, and mindful movements to reduce stress. Each session will conclude with a guided relaxation practice designed to support stress relief. Everyone can benefit from these practices to manage stress more effectively and improve quality of life.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 06/06/2025 -
Fri 11/07/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Nicola Bailey
Course code:
Q00018259
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.30

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:
Fri 27/06/2025 -
Fri 27/06/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00015763
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £8.40



The courses below have already started, but are still available to book.

Maths Online Self Study Course (Multiply Norfolk)

This course is for residents of Norfolk only- Please only apply for this course if you live in the County of Norfolk. Do you lack confidence with numbers? On this self-study course, you will use the WEA's fun, engaging, interactive multimedia resources to help grow your confidence with maths. You can learn at your own pace, at a time that suits you and take as long as you need to complete the course. From working out your household budget, to helping your kids with their school work, there is a module for you. From time to time, one of our friendly Numeracy Coaches will check in with you to provide any support that you need.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 01/08/2023 -
Wed 31/07/2024
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00011222
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee:
Free

Multiply - Number Confidence: Online Learning (West Sussex)

Learn at your own pace in your own time, with or without the support of our Numeracy Champions and improve your number skills at home, work and in daily life. You use numbers every day, from working your household budget to helping the kids with their homework. Every time you do the weekly shop or trying to keep up with the cost-of-living crisis, you’re using maths skills. If you'd like further information, or need help with booking please email: [email protected] *Please note you can access this course at a time that suits you as many times as you like! Sessions below are indicative only

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 25/01/2024 -
Wed 25/12/2024
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00013792
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee:
Free

Ways to Wellbeing: Introduction to Advanced Gua Sha

Discover the wonderful world of Introduction to Advanced Gua Sha course. It will help you to develop basic knowledge and skills in Gua Sha. Whether you have studied basic Gua Sha before or you are completely new to it, You will find value in this beneficial course. Develop your facial massage technique that has several benefits for the face. The benefits include: · Improving the absorption of skincare products · Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles · Deep cleansing pores · Blood circulation · Exfoliation You do not need any special tools to attend, just yourself and some enthusiasm. Start your wellbeing journey today by registering for this course.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 08/07/2024 -
Mon 22/07/2024
Times:
12:30pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Lisa Richards
Course code:
Q00014636
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
5 places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £27.75