Courses to build life skills

Learn life skills with the largest charitable provider of adult education in England and Scotland. Adult learning isn’t like school. Everyone belongs at the WEA. You’ll get meaningful, and tailored support, so you can reach your full potential. Our classes are friendly and fun, designed for adults like you. We won’t talk down to you and you’ll learn skills that you’ll use in everyday life.

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What are life skills?

Simply put, they are skills that make everyday life easier. Life skills include cooking, budgeting, communicating with others, health, well-being and managing emotions. Sometimes this means learning new things, and sometimes it means building on things you already know.

Sometimes adulting can be hard. These courses can help make it feel just that bit easier, make you feel more independent and empower you to face the future ahead.

Small steps to larger goals

You don’t have to have big goals in mind. Just take small steps towards boosting your skills and improving your wellbeing. Whether it is learning to budget better or cook healthier food. Building your confidence or gaining independence. There is a course for you.

When you study with us, you will:

  • Build your confidence
  • Learn new life skills
  • Improve your everyday life and wellbeing

Take a look at our great range of courses and start making a positive change today.

Displaying 1 - 10 of 71

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Gardening for Wellbeing

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. This course helps you explore how gardening can support your health and wellbeing. You can join if you have completed the Foundations in Gardening course, but you are also welcome if you are new to gardening. No experience is needed. You will take part in practical activities such as planting seeds, caring for plants, and looking after garden spaces or containers. You will learn how gardening can help with relaxation, mindfulness, and gentle physical activity. You will also explore how gardening supports the environment, including planting for wildlife and using sustainable gardening practices. Each session is supportive and relaxed, with step-by-step guidance. You will have chances to work with others, share ideas, and enjoy being outdoors. By the end of the course, you will have developed gardening skills that support your wellbeing and confidence. You may also feel ready to continue learning through other gardening or environmental courses

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 05/06/2026 -
Fri 19/06/2026
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Whitehawk Art Room B04
Whitehawk Road
Brighton and Hove
BN2 5NS
Tutor:
Jane Perrin
Course code:
Q00026803
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £96.00

Communicating Confidently

This course empowers you to express ideas clearly and assertively in any setting. Through practical strategies and interactive exercises, you’ll learn how to overcome communication barriers, build self-assurance, and engage others effectively. Topics include active listening, body language, tone, and managing challenging conversations. By the end, you’ll have the tools to communicate with confidence, enhance relationships, and achieve professional and personal goals.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 08/06/2026 -
Mon 06/07/2026
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Angelou Centre (Newcastle upon Tyne)
17 Brighton Grove
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE4 5NS
Tutor:
Sharon Reay
Course code:
Q00028196
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Waiting list (Waiting list)
Fee range
Funding available - £100.00

Basic First Aid with CPR

This Basic First Aid Awareness Course with CPR provides essential life-saving skills for emergencies. Participants will learn how to assess situations and perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) on adults, children, and infants. The course covers the use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). Through hands-on practice and clear instruction, learners gain the confidence to act quickly and effectively in critical situations. This training is ideal for anyone looking to be prepared in case of a medical emergency at home.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 09/06/2026 -
Tue 09/06/2026
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
The Phoenix (Leicester)
Phoenix Square, 4 Midland Stre
Leicester
LE1 1TG
Tutor:
Harsha Kotecha
Course code:
Q00026858
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £16.00

Food Hygiene

If you help out in a community or voluntary role, you may need to work with food. Understanding the safe handling of food is key to preventing infections and ensuring proper hygiene. Food safety courses are useful if you do any kind of charity or voluntary work that involves handling food. Whether you help prepare lunches at a community centre or collaborate with a food bank, this knowledge can help you ensure hygiene measures are followed.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 16/06/2026 -
Mon 29/06/2026
Times:
12:30pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
WEA York Court (Bristol)
7 York Court
Wilder Street
Bristol
BS2 8QH
Tutor:
Sasha Novikova
Course code:
Q00024766
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £100.00

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Cooking Practical: One Pot Meals

This course introduces learners to the art and efficiency of creating delicious, balanced, and satisfying meals using just one pot. Focusing on simplicity, flavour, and nutrition, students will explore a range of cooking methods and cuisines that emphasize minimal cleanup without compromising on quality or taste. Throughout the course, participants will learn how to plan, prepare, and cook a variety of one-pot dishes including soups, stews, casseroles, curries, stir-fries, and skillet meals. Emphasis will be placed on ingredient selection, layering of flavours, timing, and presentation techniques. Learners will also gain insights into adapting recipes for dietary preferences, budget-friendly cooking, and maximizing seasonal produce. By the end of this course, students will be able to confidently create wholesome and flavourful one-pot meals suitable for home, hospitality, or catering settings.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 25/06/2026 -
Thu 30/07/2026
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Clovelly Centre (Southampton)
60-68 Clovelly Road
Southampton
SO14 0AU
Tutor:
Tracey Sweetman
Course code:
Q00025382
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £168.00

Healthy Living: Simple techniques for Lymphatic drainage to calm the body part 2

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.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/07/2026 -
Tue 28/07/2026
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Lisa Richards
Course code:
Q00028234
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £64.00

Confidence to Career: Building Skills for Work Success

Confidence to Career is a four‑week programme designed to help learners build self-belief while developing essential employability skills. Through weekly two‑hour sessions, learners will explore personal strengths, overcome barriers, and develop positive communication techniques that enhance confidence in real-life situations. Alongside this, the course introduces practical tools for job searching, CV writing, interview skills, and workplace expectations. Interactive activities, group discussions, and reflective tasks ensure learners feel supported as they grow. By the end of the programme, learners will feel more empowered, more prepared, and more confident in taking their next steps towards employment success.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 09/07/2026 -
Thu 30/07/2026
Location:
Online
Course code:
P00000284
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

Healthy Living: Summer Retreat

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.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 20/07/2026 -
Mon 27/07/2026
Times:
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Lisa Richards
Course code:
Q00028235
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £32.00

Everyday Cooking for Wellbeing

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. This Everyday Cooking for Wellbeing course supports adults to improve their wellbeing through simple, enjoyable cooking activities. Learners explore everyday ingredients, basic cooking actions and supportive routines that promote confidence and positive mental health. Each session includes a practical cooking task, opportunities to talk about food and wellbeing, and gentle activities that encourage connection and relaxation. The course is suitable for all adults, including those with ESOL needs, and provides clear demonstrations and visual support. Activities focus on participation, enjoyment and building confidence through shared cooking experiences.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 06/08/2026 -
Thu 13/08/2026
Times:
9:30am - 3:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Clovelly Centre (Southampton)
60-68 Clovelly Road
Southampton
SO14 0AU
Tutor:
Tracey Sweetman
Course code:
Q00027616
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £96.00

Confidence Building

This course is funded by the East Midlands Combined County Authority and only available to residents living within the East Midlands Combined County Authority area. Confidence Building is a friendly, supportive course designed to help you feel more confident in everyday life and work. You will explore self-belief, communication skills, and practical ways to manage nerves and negative thinking. The course can be tailored to your goals—whether you are returning to work, preparing for interviews, starting a small business, or wanting to improve your self-esteem. You will take part in activities such as group discussions, goal setting, role play, and simple planning tasks. Step by step, you will build your confidence, share experiences, and celebrate your progress in a safe and encouraging environment. By the end of the course, you will leave with practical skills and a personal action plan to help you take your next steps.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 12/08/2026 -
Wed 23/09/2026
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Nottingham learning centre classroom 4
39 Mapperley Road
Nottingham
Nottingham
NG3 5AQ
Tutor:
Lucy Boultby
Course code:
Q00027160
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £192.00