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 This course will consider how we can promote difference and help change the social systems and beliefs that are outdated and not helpful when supporting a Neurodivergent person to thrive and have better life chances, including employment.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils taken from plants to improve quality of life and reduce stress and anxiety. It can be used alongside traditional medicine, and this is why it is known as a complimentary medicine. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in the history, principles and practical applications of aromatherapy and has been designed to introduce you to the most commonly used essential oils: giving advice, tips, and techniques on how aromatherapy oils can be used safely at home to help enhance overall wellbeing.

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.

This course will help you to develop the skills you need to become a volunteer. Volunteering contributes to society and can also help you stand out to new employers. Showing volunteer work on your CV shows employers that you can work in a team and have compassion. Volunteer skills can also be helpful in your career development. Volunteer skills are the abilities you have to help other people effectively to support a specific cause. The best volunteers have a strong work ethic and work well with others. Volunteers typically work for free, so they need to self-motivate and remain focused on their volunteering projects or tasks. You can use many of these skills for volunteering in your workplace.

This course is designed for learners who would like to develop their own individual style and direction when exploring portrait skills. Starting with the anatomy of the head, you will be guided through the basic steps and techniques when studying a character. Using Photography, you will then go on to learn about directing and how to confidently capture a head and shoulder portrait. This could then be used to either draw from or manipulate, using mixed media, for example painting onto its surface or collaging.

From Beethoven to Blur, or Metallica to Mongolian voices, music can lead us from one state of mind and body to another. This course looks at the power of music and how it can be used as a source of energy to improve our overall health, self-esteem, and wellbeing. You will be given the opportunity to explore your own personal relationship with music, considering the impression music had on you when growing up; including how you feel about singing and why? There is extensive research supporting the psychological, social, and behavioural benefits that happen when an individual finds their voice. We will consider this and how the benefits of singing, song writing, and voice exploration can give us a feeling of belonging. By experimenting in a group, you will experience what it feels like to be part of something that is bigger than yourself!

Would you like to feel the magic of Christmas again! Crafting is a fun way to spend time in the lead up to Christmas and adds a personal touch to the festivities. This course will give you the opportunity to learn something new, relax and meet like-minded people, whilst getting in the mood for Christmas. It will ignite your imagination and inspire you towards making your own Christmassy crafts, including, cards, tree decorations and trinkets that you may wish to gift to others who are special to you. Engaging in craft has proven to boost mental wellbeing and reduce stress. Benefits include improved mindfulness, better cognitive function, less anxiety, and increased self-awareness.

This supportive course offers you the opportunity to explore adaptive and positive behaviour to help you deal more effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life. The course will cover 3 main areas, including knowledge, attitude, and skills. It will enable you to consider ways to expand your confidence and personal development, including life skills to help promote mental well-being and competence when managing and coping with the realities of life. It will help you to identify available opportunities and prepare to face possible threats. The course will cover the context of health and social events, including coping without the use of unhealthy props; communicating with others in the public sphere; and how to promote healthy relationships.