WEA courses

Are you looking for functional skills English courses for free? You can boost your maths and English skills with a government-funded course at the WEA. If you are over 19 and don’t have an English GCSE at C or Grade 4, then you can study for free.  Not having a qualification in English can hold you back. In many cases, you will need it for apprenticeships or to get a job. Maybe you want to ace your GCSE retakes but the idea of going back to school fills you with dread. Or you want a level 2 qualification, but you don’t want to do GCSEs again. This is where the WEA comes in.  We’re not like a school or a college; we’re adult learning specialists. Our English functional skills classes help you build on the skills that you use every day. We make our courses fun and easy to learn.

Are you looking for functional skills maths courses for free?  You can boost your maths and maths skills with a government-funded course at the WEA. If you are over 19 and don’t have an English GCSE at C or Grade 4, then you can study for free.  Not having a qualification in maths can hold you back. In many cases, you will need it for apprenticeships or to get a job. Maybe you want to ace your GCSE retakes but the idea of going back to school fills you with dread. Or you want a level 2 qualification, but you don’t want to do GCSEs again. This is where the WEA comes in.  We’re not like a school or a college; we’re adult learning specialists. Our maths functional skills classes help you build on the skills that you use every day. We make our courses fun and easy to learn.

This is a practical, down-to-earth 2-hour course where learners can explore how to bring mindfulness into everyday life. A range of techniques are added to your toolbox of life skills, working with various mindfulness meditations and basic mindfulness movements that can be practised at home. Mindfulness embraces dealing with both the joys and the challenges that we all have to face. Over the session, participants explore simple, practical techniques to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional resilience through guided exercises and gentle discussion, creating a supportive space to build awareness and self-care habits.

This course is funded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority area. Building Confidence and Resilience – Online Taster Session Duration: 2-hour online workshop Who it’s for: - Anyone new to learning - Those interested in personal development - No prior experience required What to expect: - Friendly, supportive and interactive session - Activities, guided reflection and group discussion - Opportunity to connect with others across York & North Yorkshire What you’ll learn: - How to build self-confidence and resilience - Recognise personal strengths and everyday challenges - Simple techniques to manage stress and stay positive - Practical tools such as goal setting and positive thinking Benefits: - Boost your wellbeing and self-belief - Gain confidence in everyday situations - Take away practical strategies to use straight away - Explore next steps into further learning

This micro course is designed for community learners who want to improve their job application success by learning how to tailor their CVs for different roles. In today’s competitive job market, it’s essential to highlight the skills and experience most relevant to each job you apply for, and this course will provide the practical skills to do just that. Throughout the session, learners will explore the key components of a CV, including personal statements, work experience, skills, and qualifications. The course will teach learners how to adapt each section of their CV to match the job description, ensuring they present themselves as the ideal candidate. Learners will also learn about using keywords from job adverts to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and how to format their CVs to make a lasting impression. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to customise their CVs confidently for each job application, improving their chances of securing interviews. This course is ideal for anyone looking to enhance their job application strategy and stand out to potential employers.

Take some time for yourself and embrace the changing season with this calming and restorative course. Healthy Living: Summer Retreat offers a gentle, supportive space to help you relax, recharge, and focus on your wellbeing. As the seasons change, it’s a great opportunity to slow down and reflect. In this friendly and welcoming course, you will explore simple techniques to help manage stress, improve your wellbeing, and feel more balanced in everyday life. Through a mix of discussion and practical activities, you will learn ways to calm the body and mind, including relaxation techniques, mindful movement, and self-care practices that you can continue at home.

This course is funded by the South Yorkshire Combined Authority and only available to residents living within the South Yorkshire Combined Authority area. Would you like to feel more confident in conversations, meetings, or speaking in public? If you struggle to find your voice or get your point across, this communication skills course can help you feel more comfortable in conversation. Improving your communication skills can go a long way towards boosting your confidence in these situations. Learn effective tools and techniques to improve your communication skills. Whether you want to feel more comfortable meeting new people, holding union meetings or participating in community discussions, these confidence-building exercises can help you.

This welcoming course introduces the art of Mehndi while creating a relaxed space for conversation, connection and wellbeing. You will learn simple, traditional and contemporary Mehndi designs, explore patterns step‑by‑step, and practise techniques in a supportive group environment. Alongside the creative activity, you’ll take part in friendly discussions that encourage confidence, mindfulness and community. No prior experience is needed — just curiosity and a willingness to try something new. By the end of the course, you’ll have developed your Mehndi skills, met new people, and discovered how creative expression can support calm, focus and personal wellbeing.

This course is funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority area. Build your confidence using digital skills in your personal life and in the workplace. Understand how digital programmes and services can enhance your everyday life and simplify common tasks. Learn skills employers look for and improve your job prospects. If you’d like to learn digital skills for a better life, this course will teach you everything you need to know. This course is funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority area.This course is funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority area.

This follow-on course is designed for learners who have completed Part 1 or already have a basic understanding of lymphatic drainage techniques. It offers the opportunity to build on your knowledge, deepen your practice, and further explore simple, effective ways to support your wellbeing. In a friendly and relaxed environment, you will learn additional techniques to gently stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to reduce tension, support circulation, and promote a sense of calm in both body and mind. The course will focus on developing your confidence in using these techniques independently as part of your daily routine.