Lifelong Learning Labs: Pioneering a new future for adult learning will include a series of expert roundtables, surveys, focus groups, online events and more to build our case to policymakers for an official Lifelong Learning strategy.
From March to November across England and Scotland, the campaign will focus on six key themes:
- Improving health and wellbeing
- Strengthening community connections
- Bridging language and cultural divides
- Closing the essential skills gap
- Tackling hate and disinformation
- Creating pathways to good work and employment
In March, the campaign will kick off with a focus on “Improving health and wellbeing”. According to a report published by the Centre for Mental Health, one in five adults in England are living with a common mental health condition. Our 2025 Impact Report shows 47% of WEA learners felt their course helped with managing side effects from a long-term physical or mental condition. Learners like Sarah who struggled with her mental health after the death of her best friend during the covid pandemic. After enrolling on a Ways to Wellbeing course, Sarah was able to regain her confidence and find motivation to move forward in life. She said, “It’s reassuring to be around a group of people where I can be myself. I now feel stronger as a person.”
Further statistics from our Impact Report tell us that:
- 99% of our learners described improvements in confidence, identity, or self-belief
- 80% of our learners reported an improvement to their wellbeing by taking part in online courses and 75% from face-to-face courses
- 61% felt learning improved their sense of worth
Together with the support of experts from across the health sector, we’ll explore how lifelong learning supports individuals living with poor physical or mental health to find purpose and connection in society, alleviating pressure on the NHS and bringing communities together.
WEA learner Tony, is one of the 41% of learners who reported a reduction in stress. Tony looked to the WEA for support when he began suffering with stress during his wife's battle with breast cancer. He said, “The classes (Mindfulness Yoga) really helped me. It was the only time in the week I felt relaxed”.
Lifelong learning works to support adults with long-term physical conditions too. Like Pam, who sustained a life-changing brain injury after a road traffic accident. Pam was determined to continue learning despite her newfound challenges. Since joining the WEA, Pam has completed numerous confidence and development courses, her husband said, “Even though Pam sustained a brain injury, she never lost her desire to learn.”
WEA CEO Simon Parkinson said, “The Government is failing adult learners. If it won’t lead with a comprehensive lifelong learning strategy, then the WEA will. Because adult learners deserve better.”
Get involved
We’d love for you get involved by sharing your learning experiences with us. Have Your Say here: Lifelong Learning Labs
We know lifelong learning changes lives, but we need your voice to prove it.
Together we can shape a plan that pushes for real Government action.
