SURREY ADULT LEARNING OFFERS SUPPORT
It’s such a challenging time for everyone right now, with so much uncertainty caused by COVID-19 including rising unemployment and the effect on our health and wellbeing. Surrey County Council’s County Impact Assessment indicates that 75% of residents say lockdown has impacted their mental health and wellbeing in some way.
During these restricted periods for social contact, many people have turned to online training or exercise to provide an outlet or activity. Surrey Adult Learning has adapted its working practices to be able to continue supporting its learners with an extended offering online, using Zoom.
Across the summer when centres were closed, they trialled delivery of online courses for the first time. “The feedback we had was amazing”, said Service Principal, Anu Chanda.
“80% reported that a Surrey Adult Learning course had provided them with a sense of purpose and achievement. We’re delighted we have been able to develop our service delivery so we can continue to offer courses either through our seven Adult Learning Centres or online.”
The Spring term 2021 programme is published on its website with hundreds of courses running from 8 January through to March 2021. They have rigorous measures in place at their centres to ensure they are COVID-19 secure.
Alongside its main programme, Surrey Adult Learning offers a lifeline for many adults, providing a series of free and subsidised courses, designed to meet certain needs. Passport to Wellbeing courses have been created to support mental wellbeing. Their Family Learning parenting courses provide some extra support to parents in managing their child’s learning or behaviour. And Henrietta Parker Trust courses including cooking and computer basics are only £20.
Their new Skills for Work programme, also free, provides a solid response to the jobs crisis, supporting workers to upskill and be ready to face a competitive jobs market.
Anu Chanda says “Having the right skills and qualifications is more important than ever. Whether you’re newly unemployed or looking at career prospects, these Skills for Work courses aim to help you explore new horizons and include identifying your personal skills and getting ready for job applications.”
You can find out more about all the courses on offer and enrol online on
www.surreycc.gov.uk/adultlearning
or call 0300 200 1044