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 ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ. 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.

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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.

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Care 2: Staying calm at Christmas

All our Care2 courses are completely free for unpaid carers (or those who have previously been carers). You do not need to receive a carer's allowance to qualify. If you are unsure, please contact our call centre advisors who will be able to assist you. If you find Christmas stressful, why not treat yourself or a loved one to a gift of health and wellbeing? Have you ever been interested in helping yourself holistically? This course will take you through the fascinating art of reflexology where we will explore the roots and history of this amazing subject.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 16/12/2024 -
Mon 16/12/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Georgia Daniel
Course code:
Q00019076
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Personal Development: Exploring our memories of Christmas, Winter and Renewal

This time of year, means different things to different people and yet the experience of hope and renewal in dark times is a universal theme. We will share our memories of this time and, as one memory sparks another, we can reflect on them together. These reflections could touch upon the nature of memory, on culture and identity, or on finding hope in difficult times. There is no need to be a good 'story-teller' as the memories shared will be short, snapshots of lives lived.The aim is to be inclusive as possible and accommodate those with some hearing difficulties.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 16/12/2024 -
Mon 16/12/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kevin Walker
Course code:
Q00019891
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

Food Hygiene

If you help out in a community or voluntary role, you may need to work with food. Understanding the safe handling of food is key to preventing infections and ensuring proper hygiene. Food safety courses are useful if you do any kind of charity or voluntary work that involves handling food. Whether you help prepare lunches at a community centre or collaborate with a food bank, this knowledge can help you ensure hygiene measures are followed.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 17/12/2024 -
Tue 07/01/2025
Times:
10:00am - 2:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ (Leicester)
101 Hinckley Road
Leicester
LE3 0TD
Tutor:
Mariam Sidat
Course code:
Q00017255
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £67.20

Healthy Living: Journaling to End the Year Well

This workshop will help you reflect on your growth, challenges and achievements over 2024 by using simple and helpful journaling exercises. You’ll be introduced to a range of journaling techniques to make journaling enjoyable and insightful. You’ll get tips on how to incorporate journaling into a weekly enjoyable self-care habit that can boost mood and bring balance. Our in-class writing exercises will help you finish the year with a flourish using a range of materials such as photos, poems and stories. Get inspired, get inventive and feel a sense of satisfaction at your progress. End the year well so you start the next one on a positive note.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 18/12/2024 -
Wed 18/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Nicola Torode
Course code:
Q00019840
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ Membership

For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
  • Access an archive of over 100 past lectures,
  • Get priority online and phone booking for autumn courses (England only),
  • Receive our Highway magazine and access back issues,
  • Attend our members’ annual conference.

Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Functional Skills Qualification in English (Entry 2)

Continue developing English skills to help you in work and everyday life situations. This functional skills English entry 2 course teaches you skills for reading, writing, and communicating in English. Learn how to improve your writing skills and build on the basic reading skills from entry 1. Adult English courses teach you practical communication skills to help you get a job or study. Develop your English skills through real-life situations. This course teaches you tools and resources to improve your use of English in new and familiar situations. These skills can help you succeed in your studies, professional situations, and social interactions. This is a government-funded accredited English course for adults. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades A*-C, or 4-9. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 06/01/2025 -
Wed 02/04/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
23 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Helen Thompson
Course code:
Q00018353
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Functional Skills Qualification in English (Entry 3)

Continue developing your English skills to open doors to work and study opportunities. This entry 3 functional skills course helps you learn English skills employers look for. Gain practical skills to improve your reading, writing, and verbal communication in English. Strengthen your writing skills and learn reading techniques to help you tackle everyday situations at work or while studying. This adult English course helps you develop your language skills through real-life situations. Functional Skills entry 3 is a government-funded accredited English course for adults. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades A*-C, or 4-9. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 06/01/2025 -
Wed 02/04/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
23 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Alex Carro
Course code:
Q00018352
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Personal Development: Beginners British Sign Language

This is a Basic BSL course that will cover a range of different topics to help to build the learners sign vocabulary, and perhaps evoke a desire to learn more sign, to enable more communication, with the deaf community!

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 06/01/2025 -
Mon 17/02/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Cleghorn
Course code:
Q00012518
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

Heathly Living: Facial Massage and Gua for lymphatic drainage for Beginners

Discover the ancient practice of Gua Sha and its benefits for health and well-being with our beginner's course. Learn the techniques and principles of this traditional Chinese therapy. Ideal for individuals interested in holistic health practices.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 06/01/2025 -
Mon 10/02/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Lisa Richards
Course code:
Q00016739
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

Personal Development: How to communicate confidently

This unique 6-week course empowers you to build confidence in communication and technology. In weeks 1-3, you'll take the Communication Confidence Masterclass, where you'll learn powerful techniques to express yourself clearly, develop assertiveness, and navigate challenging conversations with ease. In Weeks 4-6, you'll become Tech Savvy for Life & Learning by mastering essential computer skills to boost your study abilities and employability. You'll learn to create an impressive CV, manage online calendars, and use online tools effectively, bridging the digital divide and gaining the confidence to thrive in today's tech-driven world.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Tue 11/02/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
KCU Ltd at Fuller Church (Kettering)
51 Gold Street
Kettering
NN16 8JB
Tutor:
Caroline Smy
Course code:
Q00016662
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.40

Cooking Practical: Cooking for Pleasure

The purpose of the course is to promote your confidence and independence through cooking. The course is to teach that cooking can be fun and rewarding. The sessions will involve preparing and cooking various foods and dishes using a variety of techniques and methods. They will follow a range of recipes that use different methods to weigh and measure quantities using a combination of weighing scales, measuring spoons and measuring jugs. There will be an opportunity to try different ways to prepare and cook food such as, baking, boiling and grilling, together with using the hob, oven, grill, and a microwave.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Tue 01/04/2025
Times:
9:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Sacred Heart Church Hall
8 Townsend Road
Minehead
TA24 5RG
Tutor:
Rebecca Williams
Course code:
Q00017179
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £201.60