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

Sub Categories

ParentingConfidence skillsBudgeting and number skillsHealth & wellbeing Cookery & bakingSelf developmentCommunication skills
Part of day
Level of study
Availability
Search for the branch name/location, without adding branch e.g. Barnet

Digital Skills essential for L3AET

Digital skills that are essential for learners to be successful in L3 AET. i.e. using microsoft 365, downloading assignments, finding information on Canvas, clearing browser cookies and cache, joining using two devices without sound on one of them. Splitting the screen to view Canvas and Zoom. Using a mouse. Using tables in Word. Creating a Power Point.
View details
Dates:
Tue 01/04/2025 -
Tue 15/04/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00021887
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.00

Digital Skills

This course equips learners with fundamental digital skills to support their education and lifelong learning. Designed for learners at all stages of their digital journey, it builds confidence in using technology for research, communication, and organisation. Key topics may include: • how to navigate devices: using computers, tablets, and smartphones for learning • online research: using search engines effectively and assessing reliable sources • digital communication: setting up and managing email, using educational platforms, and engaging in online discussions • document creation: writing, saving, and sharing documents using word processing tools • online safety: protecting personal information, recognising scams, and practicing responsible digital behaviour • accessing online learning resources: using e-books, videos, and virtual classrooms Through guided practice, where appropriate, and real-life learning tasks, participants will develop and demonstrate their digital confidence and independence. By the end of the course, learners will be able to effectively use technology to enhance their education and continue their personal development.
View details
Dates:
Wed 02/04/2025 -
Wed 02/04/2025
Times:
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Abbie Cairns
Course code:
Q00021831
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

Cooking on a Budget: Air fryer Cooking

Unlock the potential of your air fryer in this practical and delicious cooking course. Designed for beginners and home cooks, this class will guide you through the basics of air fryer usage, cleaning, and care while introducing you to a variety of recipes that highlight the versatility of this kitchen appliance. From crispy snacks to wholesome meals and even desserts, you’ll learn how to create healthier versions of your favourite dishes with minimal oil and maximum flavour.
View details
Dates:
Wed 02/04/2025 -
Wed 25/06/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Trimdon Village Hall (Trimdon Station)
Hallgarth Road
Trimdon
Trimdon Station
TS29 6JX
Tutor:
Jayne Clark
Course code:
Q00021496
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
4 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

Ways to Wellbeing - Floral Oils

Join me in a course open to absolute beginners right through to those who have a little experience in the fascinating subject of floral aromatherapy. This course will inform you of a wide range of floral oils, where they grow, what they are good for and a little history of each oil. Comprehensive notes will be provided on Canvas for you to download and refer to. This course encourages individuals to share and discuss your aromatherapy journey. My aim is for you to incorporate oils into your everyday life. You may have your own oils that you can bring to the session, you may want to purchase the range of oils prior to the course but this is not mandatory.
View details
Dates:
Mon 07/04/2025 -
Mon 30/06/2025
Times:
9:00am - 11:00am
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Georgia Daniel
Course code:
Q00017011
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Add to basket
Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Seated Yoga

Did you know yoga can help you get stronger and more flexible, no matter your age or abilities? There are yoga courses for all levels and needs. Even if you can’t take part in a standing class, this beginner’s yoga course can help you gain mobility without taking a toll on your joints. Seated yoga is perfect for you if you’d have difficulty following a regular yoga lesson. Whether you have mobility issues or chronic fatigue, this yoga course can help you reduce stiffness in your joints and learn to relax. Enjoy the practice of yoga from a chair.
View details
Dates:
Wed 09/04/2025 -
Wed 18/06/2025
Times:
9:00am - 10:30am
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Georgia Daniel
Course code:
Q00017047
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
4 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £61.05

Ways to Wellbeing: Emotional Freedom Technique

Join a group of like-minded people and discover the extraordinary world of tapping. A technique used by thousands of people worldwide that has documented evidence that has hypothesised decreased anxiety, cravings, pain, anxiety, depression to name but a few. We will cover a brief history, techniques, Gamut point, the heart meditation, touch on reflex and surrogate tapping. Open to everyone regardless of if you have any prior knowledge.
View details
Dates:
Wed 09/04/2025 -
Wed 11/06/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Georgia Daniel
Course code:
Q00017005
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £92.50

Professional Development: Gender Equality Awareness Men

This 2-hour workshop aims to empower Afghan refugee women by increasing awareness of gender equality, rights, and opportunities in the UK. The session takes a culturally sensitive approach, respecting Islamic values and Afghan traditions while introducing UK legal frameworks and social norms.
View details
Dates:
Wed 09/04/2025 -
Wed 09/04/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Centenary House
Centenary House
Woodfield Road
Crawley
South East
RH10 8GN
Tutor:
Nicola Holmes
Course code:
Q00021865
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £8.40

Healthy Living: Bespoke complementary therapy

In its most basic form, holistic therapy addresses the mind, body, and spirit to support health and healing. On this course we will cover a range of complementary therapies that help us naturally and alongside prescribed medication. Complementary therapy involves looking at our health and wellbeing from a truly rounded approach by bringing all elements of our mind body and spirit into the session. The more we understand about our body the better we are equipped to live happier and healthier lives. We will cover aromatherapy, reflexology, yoga poses, crystals and emotional freedom technique to specifically treat your problems. This course is for you, written by you. Each week your tutor will cover reflex points, tapping, aromatherapy blends and yoga poses designed to help each person who attends the course.
View details
Dates:
Thu 10/04/2025 -
Thu 26/06/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Georgia Daniel
Course code:
Q00020809
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £66.60

Craft: Spring Crafts Engagement workshop

This hands-on workshop introduces learners to the art of crafting, covering fundamental techniques for decorative and functional designs. Whether you’re interested in home décor, or artistic sculptures, this course will provide the skills and inspiration to create unique personised crafts.
View details
Dates:
Mon 14/04/2025 -
Mon 14/04/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
The Cornforth Partnership (Ferryhill)
68-70 High Street
West Cornforth
Ferryhill
North East
DL17 9HS
Tutor:
Jayne Clark
Course code:
Q00021916
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Healthy Living: Reflexology as a self help tool

This course is designed for those who may have a little prior knowledge of the subject, right through to those of you who may have heard of reflexology and are interested in learning more about this fascinating subject. Your teacher Georgia has been a reflexology enthusiast for over 30 years and has trained many students who have progressed to industry standards and now run successful business’s. During this relaxed and friendly class, you will learn accessible reflexology techniques to use on both your hands and feet that can be applied from the comfort of your own home. you can practice on family members or friend's or simply just work on yourself. We will cover the history of reflexology, how the body is mapped on both the hands and the feet, and the practical elements required to give a thorough treatment that can really make a difference to your health and wellbeing.
View details
Dates:
Wed 16/04/2025 -
Wed 02/07/2025
Times:
11:00am - 1:30pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Georgia Daniel
Course code:
Q00020810
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £81.40