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

Part of day
Level of study
Availability
Search for the branch name/location, without adding branch e.g. Barnet

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Essential Skills for Childcare - NEW

This "Introduction to the Early Years Practitioner" course is designed for beginners seeking foundational knowledge in early childhood education and care. You will learn essential safeguarding procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of children in Early Years settings. The course covers the development of babies and young children from birth to 7 years, with a focus on the crucial 0-5 years. Key topics include health and safety, safeguarding, special educational needs, and the promotion of play. A separate digital session is also arranged to get familiar with our Virtual Learning Platform, Canvas. Upon successful completion, you can progress to a Level 2 Qualification in Early Years Practitioner with WEA.
Dates:
Thu 01/05/2025 -
Thu 10/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
St Matthews Neighbourhood Cntr (Library)
10 Malabar Road
Leicester
LE1 2PD
Tutor:
Chantal Ngounou
Course code:
Q00021920
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £126.00

Fitness and Exercise: Seated Tai Chi Qi Gong

This course introduces the fundamental principles and movements of Tai Chi and Qi Gong, two ancient Chinese practices that promote relaxation, balance, flexibility, and overall well-being. Learners will learn gentle, flowing movements combined with breathing techniques to enhance physical health and mental clarity. This course is suitable for beginners and those looking to improve mobility, reduce stress, and cultivate inner calm.
Dates:
Thu 01/05/2025 -
Thu 10/07/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Pioneering Care Partnership (Newton Aycl
Pioneering Care Centre
Carers Way
Newton Aycliffe
DL5 4SF
Tutor:
Margaret Mordue
Course code:
Q00021903
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

Understanding ADHD: Working with ADHD

Are you or a loved one waiting on a diagnosis for ADHD? If so, the tools and resources in this ADHD course can support you through the process. Having correct and up-to-date information is a crucial part of understanding the diagnosis. This equality & diversity course is aimed at people supporting others with ADHD. Gain understanding of what ADHD is and how it affects behaviour. Consider the facts and myths surrounding ADHD and learn ways to interact productively with individuals with ADHD. Gain awareness of behaviour that challenges and explore strategies to manage it.
Dates:
Fri 02/05/2025 -
Fri 16/05/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Sanjaya Grero
Course code:
Q00016756
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.30

Communicating with Confidence

This micro course is designed for learners who want to improve their communication skills and build confidence in expressing themselves. On this short course you will explore techniques for clear and effective communication in different situations, including conversations, group discussions, and presentations. The course covers essential skills such as active listening, body language, and managing nerves when speaking. Through practical exercises and supportive feedback, you will gain the confidence to communicate assertively and positively in personal, professional, and community settings. This course is ideal for anyone looking to enhance their self-expression and build stronger connections with others.
Dates:
Wed 07/05/2025 -
Wed 07/05/2025
Times:
10:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Janet Wilson
Course code:
Q00021695
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£11.10

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Community Cohesion: Peaceful Communities Advocate

This micro course is aimed at building community in diverse times and finding collaborative solutions for community issues. On this course you will understand how to use skills to create harmonious living and working environments. On completion of this course you will be awarded the digital badge: Peaceful Communities Advocate which honours individuals who actively promote peace, tolerance and unity within their communities.
Dates:
Thu 08/05/2025 -
Thu 08/05/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00021729
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£11.10

Supporting Children & Teens with ADHD

Do you regularly interact with young people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? If so, studying ADHD courses could help you greatly improve the support you offer them. This equality & diversity course is especially useful for parents and carers. You will understand the ADHD brain and the difficulties faced by children and teens with ADHD.
Dates:
Thu 08/05/2025 -
Fri 09/05/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00018976
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
4 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £14.80

Community Cohesion: Fact Checking in the Digital Age

This micro course is designed for learners who want to improve their ability to critically evaluate information in today’s digital world. With the rise of social media and online news, it’s more important than ever to be able to distinguish between credible sources and misinformation. The course will cover the basics of media literacy, including how to identify reliable information and recognize biased or misleading content. On completion of this course learners will be awarded the digital badge: Fact Checking in the Digital Age. This badge celebrates those who apply critical thinking and digital literacy skills to navigate the vast landscape of online information, separating facts from falsehoods. Recipients of this badge are committed to maintaining the integrity of digital spaces by promoting accuracy, reliability, and responsible information sharing practices.
Dates:
Fri 09/05/2025 -
Fri 09/05/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00021737
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£11.10

Beginners Lip Reading

This course is designed to equip participants with essential lip-reading skills. You will learn to recognise common lip movements, apply practical strategies for daily communication, understand effective communication techniques, and explore technology solutions for emergency situations. Through hands-on exercises and online resources, you will develop the confidence to engage in conversations with ease. The course is only open for referred patients from the Audiology Department who fund these courses. Please quote the code that is stated in your letter to book on,
Dates:
Fri 09/05/2025 -
Fri 20/06/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Independent Living Centre
Unit 3A
Hazeldine House
Telford
TF3 4JL
Tutor:
Sally Joyner
Course code:
Q00021509
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Community Cohesion: Community Unity Builder

This micro course is aimed at individuals who are working to actively strengthen bonds within diverse communities, promoting inclusivity, mutual respect, and collaboration. On completion of the course learners will be awarded the digital badge: Community Unity Builder. This badge celebrates those who create environments where different groups can come together, share ideas, and work toward common goals. Recipients of this badge are committed to fostering understanding and cooperation, and they take practical steps to bridge divides within their community.
Dates:
Mon 12/05/2025 -
Mon 12/05/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00021743
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£11.10

Community Cohesion: Community Unity Builder

This micro course is aimed at individuals who are working to actively strengthen bonds within diverse communities, promoting inclusivity, mutual respect, and collaboration. On completion of the course learners will be awarded the digital badge: Community Unity Builder. This badge celebrates those who create environments where different groups can come together, share ideas, and work toward common goals. Recipients of this badge are committed to fostering understanding and cooperation, and they take practical steps to bridge divides within their community.
Dates:
Mon 12/05/2025 -
Mon 12/05/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00021744
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£11.10