Arts & crafts

This course offers a creative and therapeutic space for adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs to explore self-expression through art. Developed in partnership with local day centres, the course is tailored to meet learners’ individual needs, promoting a sense of belonging and inclusion within their communities. Learners will engage in a variety of artistic activities—including drawing, painting, and mixed media—that support mental well-being, reduce anxiety, and build confidence.

This practical course introduces learners to the essential techniques required to make their own trousers with precision and style. Whether you’re new to sewing or looking to refine your garment-making skills, this course provides a solid foundation in constructing a pair of pencil trousers tailored to fit. You’ll begin by learning how to take accurate body measurements, an indispensable skill for achieving a perfect fit. Next, you’ll use these measurements to draft a paper pattern specific to your size and style preferences, gaining insight into basic garment geometry and pattern design. The course then transitions into hands-on sewing sessions, where you'll be guided through fabric selection, cutting, and assembly techniques. You'll learn how to join panels, sew seams, add waistbands, and finish hems with confidence. Each step is supported by practical demonstrations and expert guidance, fostering a supportive and creative environment for learning. By the end of the course, you’ll have crafted your own pair of pencil trousers and developed sewing skills that empower you to take on more advanced projects.

This course offers a creative and therapeutic space for adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs to explore self-expression through art. Developed in partnership with local day centres, the course is tailored to meet learners’ individual needs, promoting a sense of belonging and inclusion within their communities. Learners will engage in a variety of artistic activities—including drawing, painting, and mixed media—that support mental well-being, reduce anxiety, and build confidence.

This course offers a creative and therapeutic space for adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs to explore self-expression through art. Developed in partnership with local day centres, the course is tailored to meet learners’ individual needs, promoting a sense of belonging and inclusion within their communities. Learners will engage in a variety of artistic activities—including drawing, painting, and mixed media—that support mental well-being, reduce anxiety, and build confidence.

The partnership with day centres ensures that the courses are adapted to meet the needs of each learner, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion within their local communities. By integrating these services, WEA strengthens its mission to make learning accessible and impactful for adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs. The courses are designed to increase learners' confidence, self-esteem, and independence. By following instructions, participating in art activities, and engaging in group work, learners gain skills in listening, problem-solving, and mutual respect. These skills are crucial for personal development and future opportunities.

This course, Art for Well-being and Self-Expression, empowers learners with mental health needs and learning disabilities through accessible and inclusive art activities. Participants will explore a range of media—including drawing, painting, and mixed media—to express themselves creatively, manage stress, and build confidence. Structured around group projects and guided tasks, the course supports the development of essential life skills such as communication, listening, and problem-solving. Aligned with TL outcomes, it enhances ""Personal and Interpersonal Skills"" by building learners’ confidence, self-esteem, and capacity for mutual respect in group settings. It also supports ""Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving"", as learners follow instructions, plan projects, and make creative choices.

Create handcrafted baby garments in this warm and welcoming knitting and crochet course. Perfect for beginners or seasoned crafters looking to try something new, students will learn to make a complete baby clothing set, consisting of a cardigan, hat, and shoes, with charming details like tassels and pom-poms. Through hands-on guidance and creative exploration, you’ll develop key techniques in pattern-following, garment shaping, and decorative finishing. When you have completed the course you will leave with a gorgeous handmade baby ensemble.

This course, Art for Well-being and Self-Expression, empowers learners with mental health needs and learning disabilities through accessible and inclusive art activities. Participants will explore a range of media—including drawing, painting, and mixed media—to express themselves creatively, manage stress, and build confidence. Structured around group projects and guided tasks, the course supports the development of essential life skills such as communication, listening, and problem-solving.

Explore the delicate beauty of flowers through the expressive techniques of ink, line and water-based wash in this hands-on course. Learn to create tone, texture, and depth using a variety of tools including technical pens, dip pens, and sticks. You’ll experiment with water-based colour washes to enhance your drawings, while developing skills in perspective and composition to bring your floral subjects to life. Suitable for all skill levels, this course combines technical instruction with creative freedom, encouraging you to develop a personal style inspired by nature’s intricate details.

This welcoming course introduces essential techniques for drawing the human figure, from basic proportion and gesture to tone and simplified anatomy. You’ll develop confidence drawing both clothed and natural human forms using a variety of materials including pencil, charcoal, coloured chalks, water-based paints, and mixed media. Drawing from photos, videos, and live demonstrations, you’ll explore mark-making, light and shadow, and expressive line work. Suitable for beginners and returning artists, the course offers step-by-step guidance to build your skills and creativity in a supportive environment.