As adults we often let life get in the way of thinking we are capable of learning more, but educational opportunities in later life are endless, whether as a mature student studying for a degree, training in the workplace or developing personal skills. Surrey Adult Learning, run by Surrey County Council, offers a broad programme of topics, encouraging people to build on their knowledge and learn new skills, whether that’s for personal development or to achieve qualifications. During the pandemic, they adapted the service to offer online courses while the seven Adult Learning Centres were closed. Over 3,000 adults in Surrey took up an online course during lockdown, with 80% saying it gave them a sense of purpose and achievement during these challenging times.
The new summer programme, starting on 26 April, is open for online enrolment from 22 March, offering hundreds of courses and workshops. As well as arts, crafts, languages and much more, the service provides free courses supporting adults with various life challenges. These include ‘Passport to Wellbeing’, using creativity to aid mental health recovery, and ‘Family Learning’ parenting and wellbeing courses which can help parents support their children with school and in understanding behaviour.
Whether you are looking to improve your watercolour skills, would like to learn how to upcycle items to create 3-D sculpture or want to develop your skills for work including writing a CV and learning digital skills, Surrey Adult Learning has something for everyone to help you keep growing.
You can find out more atwww.surreycc.gov.uk/adultlearning and if you aren’t great at using a computer, call 0300 200 1044 and you can ask about computer courses too!