Lifelong Learning

Some provide childcare – many Colleges of Further Education now offer crèche facilities at least for some courses. Always ask if you need childcare – that way more will be provided. If they cannot provide a crèche many providers will offer to pay your childcare costs, if you can make your own arrangements. If you want to study to improve your job prospects contact your Lone Parent Adviser at the Job Centre. Depending on the course you want to follow they may be able to pay for it and other costs you will incur through training.

If you have not been on a course for a long time and are concerned about whether you can do it, try a short course first – something you are interested in. Adult learning courses are much more informal than they used to be and not like school. Classes are usually friendly and relaxed and students are encouraged to participate and try things out – don’t be afraid of making mistakes because that is how we learn. There are many courses specifically aimed at people who have not tried them before, including Confidence Building, Return to Learn, Make Your Experience Count, Family Learning and Basic Skills courses. There are also lots of taster courses run in local communities, so you can try things out. These include a wide range of topics like: Computers and the Internet, Family History, Art, Mosaics, Jewellery Making, Stained Glass, Creative Writing, Holiday Spanish, Woodwork, Gardening, Aromatherapy, Drama, Singing, Parenting, and lots more.

Most Local Authorities organise Community Education courses which run in schools, libraries, museums, art centres, community centres, youth clubs, church halls, or even in pubs! Contact your local council, or nearest library, for information on these. You may find brochures in your local supermarket too.

Colleges of Further Education also run a wide range of courses, day and evening. You can find their numbers in the Phone Book or search for their websites. Universities also run extra-curricular courses which are open to anyone.

There may be local training providers in your area too – charitable organisations or businesses - which should be listed in the Yellow Pages. The main national organisations providing learning information or courses are listed below.

Learn Direct  www.learndirect.co.uk
This website and telephone helpline can help you with learning and career information. Learning can be at home or work, at a local college or over the internet - anything that broadens your knowledge and skills. They can tell you what is available in your area and also offer online courses. For good quality, accurate, confidential information, advice and guidance call:
England, Northern Ireland, Wales 0800 100 900
Scotland 0808 100 9000

Workers’ Educational Association (WEA)  www.wea.org.uk
Tel: 020 7426 3450
National voluntary organisation offering a wide range of educational and training courses to individuals and groups – eg assertiveness, stress management, helping in schools, return to learn, preparing for work and leisure courses.

WEA Scottish Association  www.weascotland.org.uk
Tel: 0131 226 3456
National voluntary organisation offering community and workplace based adult learning to individuals and groups.

WEA Northern Ireland  www.wea-ni.com
Tel: 0289 032 9718

WEA South Wales  www.swales.wea.org.uk
Tel: 0292 055 2277

WEA North Wales  www.harlech.ac.uk
Tel: 0176 678 1900

Universities
All Universities have websites (which end in .ac.uk). Applications to higher education courses must be made through UCAS who also provide information. There is a course search facility on their website at www.ucas.ac.uk

SKILL (National Bureau for Students with Disabilities)  www.skill.org.uk
Useful information for students with disabilities at this website.

RESIDENTIAL

Hillcroft College  www.hillcroft.ac.uk
Tel: 0208 399 2688
Offers residential courses to women leading to university, employment or vocational training, as well as short or weekend courses, in a beautiful setting near London. Courses are free (£10 booking fee) for eligible students and include childcare facilities.

Trafford Hall  www.traffordhall.com
Tel: 01244 300246
Runs residential and day courses for tenants and community groups and families – most funded through grants and bursaries. Also Active Family Learning breaks to find out how to run family centred community projects (minimal cost).

FUNDING

Money to Learn – Financial Help for Adults in Further Education and Training is published by DfES. For copies telephone 0845 602 2260. The booklet is also available on www.lifelonglearning.co.uk/moneytolearn

Educational Grants Advisory Service (EGAS)  www.egas-online.org.uk
Tel: 020 7254 6251
Part of the Family Welfare Association, they offer information and advice on loans, grants and benefits as well as trusts and charities. They prioritise lone parents, disabled students, refugees and other disadvantaged groups.

Higher Education Student Support  www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport
Find out which student loans, grants, bursaries and other help is available for lone parents, childcare, dependents, disabled students, etc. You can also apply online for loans and grants. Or phone your Local Education Authority for information.

Student Grants and Loans  www.support4learning.org.uk/money
This is another useful site for information on student grants and loans for Further and Higher Education.