A great choice for the Book Club
04.03.2026 15:16
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A great choice for the Book Club
The @weaadulted.bsky.social Lifelong Learning Labs have got off to a flying start. If you'd like to know more and get involved, follow the links below. The future of lifelong learning is up to us working together.
The Lifelong Learning Labs are here and we’re inviting you in.
They’re a national experiment exploring what learning unlocks for adults at work, at home and in our communities.
Because adults deserve better.
Have your say: thewea.info/4axvRCH #WEALabs
We've created all the May 2026 elections in our system. 4,357 English councillors are scheduled for election, across 107 councils. This is in addition to six local authority mayors and the Scottish and Welsh parliaments.
Find out if you have an election at whocanivotefor.co.uk
And have now read the book. Such a compelling case and an inspiring call to build a collective voice around better support for the arts. Look forward to exploring the links with colleagues in adult education where the positive benefits of creativity can also be found.
#arts
Very much enjoyed listening to Professor Daisy Fancourt talking about her new book Art Cure at Somerset House this evening. As featured in The Guardian yesterday. Thanks to @creativelivescl.bsky.social for organising the event
Fun, free and online, the WEA's Christmas Day course is ideal if you're looking for a break from a hectic day or wanting to spend time with others.
Dip in or enjoy from start to finish.
Simple registration by following the link in the WEA's message
#ChristmasDay
“At a time when economic inactivity is a pressing concern, any decision to reduce funding to help groups with more complex barriers into employment seems at odds with the govt’s aim to reach an 80% employment rate.”
🗨️⬇️ @samavanzowindett.bsky.social comments on UKSPF ending in @feweek.bsky.social.
The latest report from the Association of Colleges makes a compelling case for positioning lifelong learning at the heart of health strategies. We know the benefits of community-based adult learning go far beyond gaining new skills - and we have the stats to prove it: 61% felt an improved sense of worth 47% felt less isolated and more connected 41% felt reduced stress
Our learners lived experience also proves it: Joanne lived with depression before joining a WEA cookery course which led to her becoming a teaching assistant at a local school. “I’ve gone from the cooking class to functional skills, English and maths, and now the teaching assistant course. It's all turned around for me.”
Our top 3 report recommendations: 1- Co-funding for preventative health activities We say: Social prescribing works. 84% of WEA learners say adult learning improved their wellbeing 2- AoC's recommendation to itself to explore analytical work on preventative approaches in education We say: The WEA is ready to deepen our own analysis to support this 3- Actions driving progress We say: We're keen to work with organisations and individuals to make local preventative programmes a reality
The latest report from the Association of Colleges makes a compelling case for positioning lifelong learning at the heart of health strategies. You can read our full response, including a link to their report, on our website. @aoc-info.bsky.social
"Beneath the noise, today’s Budget – and the forecasts underpinning it – laid bare the ongoing challenge of persistently low growth combined with rising demand for public services."
✍️ Dr Emily Andrews responds to the Chancellor's Autumn Budget.
Last week was Get The Nation Learning Week. Read WEA CEO @simonparkinson.bsky.social blog reflecting on the week gone by: bit.ly/4nDfRCk #getthenationlearning
It’s Get the Nation Learning Week, and what does the nation care about more than tea?
WEA Volunteer, Jim and Lifelong Learning Advocate, Alfie take a minute to swap secrets to brewing the perfect cuppa. #getthenationlearning www.youtube.com/shorts/ZiUHx...
Broadcaster, Bard of Barnsley, and all-round word wizard Ian McMillan has penned a brand-new poem just for us. It’s a joyful ode to lifelong learning, created exclusively to celebrate Get the Nation Learning Week. What are you inspired to learn this week? #getthenationlearning
Still, when adults do learn, they thrive. 🚀
Nearly all (94%) of those engaging in learning identify at least one benefit, with self-confidence, personal development, the love of learning, and jobs and skills gains the most reported.
(7/10)
Get The Nation Learning Week is here, and WEA is proud to be an official supporter of this national celebration of adult education and lifelong learning. Our latest blog tells you all you need to know about this special week: bit.ly/4hujg4U#GetT...
Adult learning deserves better: a Pre-24 not Post-16 Education White Paper.
In a 38,910 word document, adults are mentioned just 0.13%.
Read WEA CEO @SimonParkinson6 full response here:
bit.ly/4oBgdKV
It's good to see the response promote the free courses for adults and particularly the reference to Tailored Learning. TL is a part of skills funding which focuses on building confidence but it's often overlooked. We hope the forthcoming post-16 White Paper will be as positive about it.
New @learnworkuk.bsky.social report out today. Thanks @feweek.bsky.social for great article on it. Full thread from me tomorrow, delayed by today’s L&W away day (there was truffle making).
he first fringe session of the day sees
@andrewcities.bsky.social
CEO of @centreforcities.bsky.social in conversation with Mayor Paul Bristow of Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority #CPC25
We're at the Centre for Policy Research fringe on men and boys, with @mimsdavies.bsky.social shadow minister for women and @drlukeevans.org.uk shadow health minister. @conservatives.bsky.social #CPC25
Now at the @smfthinktank.bsky.social livestream on health inequality: Professor Arpana Verma speaking on the importance of listening to communities and supporting hyper local organisations when tackling health inequalities. Dr @beckymontacute.bsky.social in the chair. #CPC25
New Statesman session on cross sector collaboration to address mental health crisis. Emphasis on strengthening communities and building the capacity of voluntary sector as trusted agencies. @debbieabrahamsmp.bsky.social @sojanjosephmp.bsky.social @newstatesman.bsky.social #Lab25
"We wholeheartedly welcome the Prime Minister’s remarks this afternoon calling out rising racism in the UK. And it’s exciting to see Further Education finally recognised as central to the UK’s economic growth and skills agenda." read more: bit.ly/4pPcYAQ #lab25
@local.gov.uk session about the importance of resetting relationship between central and local government. Key is breaking down departmental silos and increasing flexibility - local people shouldn't be constrained by administrative boundaries. @allymcgovern.bsky.social #LAB25
In case you missed it:
"Adult education... is rooted in local communities and designed to build trust, openness and purpose... they’re meeting people they might not otherwise cross paths with."
feweek.co.uk/adult-learni...
Read our response to @patmcfaddenmp.bsky.social writing in @feweek.bsky.social about adult skills moving to DWP. The WEA welcomes a more integrated approach, but fear many adult learners will still lose out Full response and a link to the FE Week in our bio. bit.ly/4msr8F4
Really liked the report and got me thinking how a more effective Levy (and one that supported all levels progressing into work) could take the pressure off the Adult Skills Fund and free up funding for adult courses supporting health & wellbeing
To find out how to reform the levy and unlock opportunity & growth, read levying up here fabians.org.uk/publication/...
Thanks to Youth Futures Foundation & @cipd.bsky.social for supporting the research.
A few thoughts from me on how adult education policy needs to get more local
#lifelonglearning
#local
A new report from the Communications & Digital Committee recognises the challenge of raising adult media literacy levels. Read our response to the report at wea.org.uk/news-views/n... and read the full report at publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld5901/ld...
