WEA courses

This course is a primary guide to Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism and what it means to be Neurodivergent. It will help explain neurological difference and how variations on thinking and behaving might affect understanding, learning and communication. We will identify and examine the different traits and behaviours associated with Neurodiversity, to help answer some of the frequently asked questions surrounding neurological conditions. This course will consider how we can promote difference and help change the social systems and beliefs that are outdated and not helpful when supporting a Neurodivergent person to thrive and have better life chances, including employment.

Our creative arts courses will get you working with pastels and charcoals, exploring what creative pieces you can achieve. In this course develop your own style of drawing in this welcoming safe space. This class will encourage you to challenge your skills and build on your love of art. Bring your favourite materials or use the resources provided and express yourself in this friendly and warm setting. This tutor has years of art experience and is very popular with out learners. The venue offers a friendly atmosphere and even a free lunch prior to the course beginning.

This 2-hour workshop will stimulate your imagination and palette for writing food stories from fiction, life writing and reportage. You will read published stories to provide inspiration and techniques to embellish your own writing. You can share your writing in pairs to give confidence and courage to write more.

Claude Monet once wrote “ It is extraordinary to see the sea: what a spectacle!” The Seashore offers rich material for both artists and photographers and has inspired some insightful and amusing creations. During this workshop we will explore some different approaches used by photographers, when capturing the essence of the great British seaside. We will look at the social documentary photographers David Hurn and Martin Parr, who play with colour and humour when depicting British seaside culture. Alternatively, we will consider the work of Fay Godwin, who works more intimately with the landscape itself, gathering lost objects from the beach to scan in order to produce exquisite close ups.

Numerous studies have shown that creative activities, such as art, writing and music, can help reduce and even prevent stress. You may find that, after a stressful day, enjoying a hobby can help you to de-stress and even give you an energy boost. This friendly course will help you that being creative may also reduce feelings of anxiety and depression and can help you to express or manage your emotions in a positive and productive way. Especially when those feelings are difficult to put into words. This course will provide you with the opportunity to explore new and uplifting creative activities, and also give you the chance to socialise and connect with others who share the same interest. If you like the idea of making art in a calm and friendly environment, whilst also taking part in group activities and meeting new people, this is the right course for you!

Learn to draw a realistic portrait of the human face from a photograph. This full day workshop is designed for complete beginners but also caters for those with some drawing experience who wish to develop their skills further. You will draw from a photograph and learn how to build a likeness from broad shapes through to more refined features using a chalk and charcoal. This workshop is an excellent first step before you begin to draw from a live model. You will be guided and supported throughout the day and the techniques that you learn during the workshop will equip you to create your own portrait drawings at home.

Join us for a creative Card Making course at Parkstone Connect, a vibrant day centre dedicated to adults with learning difficulties. Our welcoming environment fosters creativity and fun. Participants will explore a variety of card-making techniques, including stamping, embossing, and die-cutting, to craft beautiful, personalized cards. Led by experienced tutors, the course provides all materials and offers step-by-step guidance, ensuring everyone can enjoy the process and create stunning cards to share with loved ones. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a complete beginner, our supportive community is here to help you unleash your artistic potential.

Build on basic reading skills with these ESOL classes. This is an English course for beginners. It is aimed at speakers of other languages. ESOL courses help you learn basic English for life in the UK and improve your chances of finding work or study options. This ESOL entry 2 reading course builds on skills you learnt at entry 1. Grow your vocabulary and improve your reading skills in English. There are also writing and speaking & listening courses at this level. If you’re helping others find ESOL courses in the UK, you’ve come to the right place.

Develop confidence to read advanced texts in English. This ESOL course teaches you different reading techniques and helps expand your vocabulary. Learn how to improve your reading skills to get the most out of living in the UK. This ESOL level 1 reading course builds on skills you learnt at entry 3. You’ll continue to learn about different styles of text and gain tools to interpret them. This is an English course for adults. It is aimed at speakers of other languages. ESOL courses are divided into three areas: reading, writing, and speaking & listening. If you’re helping others find ESOL courses in the UK, you’ve come to the right place.

This course is for clients at Parkstone Connect Centre, and continues on their journey of steps to wellbeing. Skills and learning in this course can be applied to everyday life and improve confidence and way of living as described by the NHS 5 steps to well-being programme