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, with 16-25-year olds and those on lower incomes saying loneliness is a contributing factor.
News of a breakthrough in developing a vaccine brings huge relief to us all that there is an end in sight and the Job Support Scheme will be welcome to many. But job losses are likely to continue in the short term and lots of us are feeling the strain of a second lockdown.
During the first lockdown, many people turned to online training or exercise to provide an outlet or activity. Surrey Adult Learning was one such provider that changed its working practices to be able to continue supporting its learners.
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 adapt our service delivery so we can continue to offer courses either through our seven Adult Learning Centres or online.”
The Spring term 2021 programme has just gone live with hundreds of courses online and in classrooms from 8 January. They have rigorous measures in place at their centres to ensure they are COVID-19 secure.
Surrey Adult Learning offers a lifeline for many adults. They run a series of free Passport to Wellbeing courses for people with issues such as anxiety and depression, designed to support mental wellbeing.
They also provide a solid response to the jobs crisis with their new Skills for Work courses 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.