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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Personal Development: Bike Maintenance

Learn how to keep your bike in top condition with our Personal Development: Bike Maintenance course. Discover essential maintenance skills, from fixing a flat tire to tuning gears. Ideal for cyclists of all levels looking to take better care of their bikes.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 05/06/2025 -
Thu 17/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 1:00pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Rector's Way Allotments (Weston-super-Ma
Rectors Way
Weston-super-Mare
BS23 3NP
Tutor:
Matt Doolan
Course code:
Q00017819
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £102.90

Fitness and Exercise: Cycling Confidence

Build your confidence on a bike with our Fitness and Exercise: Cycling Confidence course. Learn essential cycling skills, from basic bike handling to navigating traffic safely. Ideal for new cyclists and those looking to improve their cycling abilities.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 05/06/2025 -
Thu 17/07/2025
Times:
1:15pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Rector's Way Allotments (Weston-super-Ma
Rectors Way
Weston-super-Mare
BS23 3NP
Tutor:
Matt Doolan
Course code:
Q00017813
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £66.15

Fitness and Exercise: Yoga to improve mental wellbeing

Enhance your mental wellbeing with our Yoga to Improve Mental Wellbeing course. This class focuses on yoga practices designed to promote mental clarity, emotional balance, and stress reduction. Through a combination of gentle postures, breathwork, and mindfulness techniques, you will learn methods to calm the mind and support mental health. Suitable for all levels, this course encourages mindful movement and listening to your body's needs. Enjoy a supportive environment where you can develop effective strategies for improving your mental wellbeing and overall quality of life through the practice of yoga.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 06/06/2025 -
Fri 11/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:00am
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Nicola Bailey
Course code:
Q00018238
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.30

Healthy Living: Mindful Relaxation to support mental well-being

Do you want to better manage stress and enhance your overall well-being? This course focuses on mindful relaxation practices to support stress management. Stress can cause physical and mental tension, but through mindful relaxation, you can learn to ease this tension and find calm. We will focus on body awareness, breathwork, and mindful movements to reduce stress. Each session will conclude with a guided relaxation practice designed to support stress relief. Everyone can benefit from these practices to manage stress more effectively and improve quality of life.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 06/06/2025 -
Fri 11/07/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Nicola Bailey
Course code:
Q00018259
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.30

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

Cooking Practical: Cooking from Scratch - Summer Recipes

Cooking at home from scratch is a technique to create home cooked food in a way which is healthy for you. You are certain about all the ingredients which are in the dish, no hidden ingredients. You are in control of what you are putting in your food and eating. Preparing food for the family reflects your love for them. Cooking at home can be a new skill to learn. During this course your tutor will give you demonstration and individual attention for your guidance. In this course you will be cooking sessional summer food which you can enjoy after each session with your loved ones.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 10/06/2025 -
Tue 08/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kauser Nabeel
Course code:
Q00018030
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

Step into Care

Begin your journey into the care sector with our Step into Care course. Learn essential skills and knowledge required to provide high-quality care to clients. Ideal for individuals considering a career in care or looking to enhance their caregiving skills.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 23/06/2025 -
Fri 27/06/2025
Location:
Norwich Central Baptist Church (Norwich)
Duke Street
Norwich
NR3 3AP
Course code:
Q00018948
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

Healthy Lifestyle: Introduction to Stress Awareness

On this course you will be invited to think about the implications and affects that stress can have on both mental and physical health. Stress can lead to serious health problems if not recognised and dealt with in time. This course will offer you the opportunity to become more aware of what causes stress, the different types of stress and how to recognise the signs and symptoms associated with each type. You will learn about ways to prevent or reduce stress for yourself and others, considering diet, exercise and other simple preventative measures that you can put in place to help keep stress at bay!

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 24/06/2025 -
Tue 15/07/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
NST Hub (North Somerset Training Communi
31 Alexandra Parade
Weston-super-Mare
BS23 1QZ
Tutor:
Katie Dexter
Course code:
Q00017196
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

Meditation and Mindfulness

Leading a busy life leaves little room for calm and relaxation. This can make it hard for us to wind down and enjoy the present. But finding these moments of calm is essential for our emotional well-being and mental health. This meditation and mindfulness course is ideal if you want to learn to relax, be present, and alleviate stress in your life. Meditation courses teach us to recognise the importance of conscious thought in our everyday lives. Develop concentration strategies to help focus your mind. Understand the principles of mindfulness. Learn to block out intrusive thoughts and enjoy the present moment.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 27/06/2025 -
Fri 27/06/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Rukhsar Azam
Course code:
Q00015763
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £8.40

Fitness and Exercise: Movement and Music

Discover the wonders of your body as you'll get the chance to learn about its functions and capabilities. Embrace the joy of dance tailored to each individual, catering to personal needs and preferences. Unleash the power of movement and music on this course whilst having fun along the way.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 05/07/2025 -
Fri 03/07/2026
Times:
10:00am - 11:30am
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Chestnuts (Bognor Regis)
London Road
Bognor Regis
PO21 1AZ
Tutor:
Fiona James
Course code:
Q00010881
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £81.90

Mens club - mens shed

Men’s Sheds (or Sheds) are similar to garden sheds – a place to pursue practical interests at leisure, to practice skills and enjoy making and mending. The difference is that garden sheds and their activities are often solitary in nature while Men’s Sheds are the opposite. They’re about social connections and friendship building, sharing skills and knowledge, and of course a lot of laughter.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 07/07/2025 -
Mon 28/07/2025
Location:
Oakley Resource Centre Hub
Clyde Crescent
Cheltenham
GL52 5QL
Course code:
Q00017031
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60



The courses below have already started, but are still available to book.

Maths Online Self Study Course (Multiply Norfolk)

This course is for residents of Norfolk only- Please only apply for this course if you live in the County of Norfolk. Do you lack confidence with numbers? On this self-study course, you will use the ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ's fun, engaging, interactive multimedia resources to help grow your confidence with maths. You can learn at your own pace, at a time that suits you and take as long as you need to complete the course. From working out your household budget, to helping your kids with their school work, there is a module for you. From time to time, one of our friendly Numeracy Coaches will check in with you to provide any support that you need.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 01/08/2023 -
Sat 01/03/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00011222
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee:
Free

Multiply - Number Confidence: Online Learning (West Sussex)

Learn at your own pace in your own time, with or without the support of our Numeracy Champions and improve your number skills at home, work and in daily life. You use numbers every day, from working your household budget to helping the kids with their homework. Every time you do the weekly shop or trying to keep up with the cost-of-living crisis, you’re using maths skills. If you'd like further information, or need help with booking please email: [email protected] *Please note you can access this course at a time that suits you as many times as you like! Sessions below are indicative only

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 25/01/2024 -
Wed 25/12/2024
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00013792
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee:
Free

Personal Development: BSL Next Steps Developing Confidence to Sign

This is a fun and interactive course, ideal to follow on from the Beginners BSL. The intention of this course is to develop skills in BSL for community engagement, further learning and possibly employment in a school/work setting. The course will run for 14 guided learning hours and will be taught online using Zoom and Canvas as a Virtual Learning Platform. Learners will be fully supported in achieving the learning outcomes for the course and the intention is that the course will help them to further develop their confidence in order for them to engage in signed conversations with their peers.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 04/11/2024 -
Mon 16/12/2024
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Cleghorn
Course code:
Q00018083
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £51.80

Fitness and Exercise: Movement This Autumn (Basic Disco Dance Steps for Everyone)

Start your week with a fun and feelgood hour of breathing, stretching and dancing. Keep fit, move and groove to some uplifting and energising music. During this five-week course you’ll learn some funky DISCO steps and complete some simple choreography. Dancing is proven to be good for your body and your mind. For improving your cognitive skills. Through learning a simple dance routine, you will: improve flexibility, minimize stress, increase energy levels and have better coordination, balance and strength. So come and release your inner disco diva and dance like no-one (or maybe everyone!) is watching.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 04/11/2024 -
Mon 02/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 11:00am
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Helen Watson
Course code:
Q00010730
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
4 places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £18.50