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 91

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Communicating Confidently - Effective Telephone Skills & Active Listening (2-hour taster)

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. This interactive 2-hour taster session is designed to help participants develop confidence and professionalism when communicating over the telephone. Learners will explore the key principles of effective telephone communication, understand the importance of active listening, and practise techniques for building rapport, gathering information, and handling conversations with confidence. The session combines practical tips, discussion, and short activities to provide immediately applicable skills for the workplace.
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Course Information

Dates:
Fri 24/07/2026 -
Fri 24/07/2026
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Hannah Mitchell
Course code:
Q00028591
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £16.00

Driving Theory

This course is funded by the South Yorkshire Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the South Yorkshire Combined Authority area. This course is designed to help you prepare for the UK driving theory test in a practical way. The course focuses on building knowledge of the Highway Code, road signs, and driving rules while developing the English vocabulary needed to understand and answer test questions. By the end of the course, you will have gained confidence, improved understanding of road safety, and developed the skills needed to progress successfully to the theory test.
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Course Information

Dates:
Fri 24/07/2026 -
Tue 28/07/2026
Times:
12:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Benjamin Warner
Course code:
Q00028731
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £96.00

Mindfulness for Everyday Wellbeing

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. This calming and practical 2-hour online taster session introduces learners to simple mindfulness techniques designed to reduce stress, improve focus, and support overall wellbeing. Participants will learn easy-to-apply strategies that can be used in everyday life, including at work, during study, or in stressful situations. Through guided exercises and reflection, learners will gain tools to help them feel more present, balanced, and in control.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 28/07/2026 -
Tue 28/07/2026
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Harsha Kotecha
Course code:
Q00028368
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £16.00

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.
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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:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £96.00

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

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.
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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

Confidence Building

This course is funded by the East Midlands Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the West Midlands Combined 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.
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Course Information

Dates:
Thu 13/08/2026 -
Fri 18/09/2026
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Nottingham learning centre classroom 2
39 Mapperley Road
Nottingham
Nottingham
NG3 5AQ
Tutor:
Penelope Golland
Course code:
Q00027173
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £192.00

Managing Your Own Mental Health

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. This course helps you understand your mental health and learn simple, practical ways to look after yourself. You will explore what mental health means using clear NHS guidance, and you will talk about common issues like stress, anxiety, and low mood. You will try easy self help tools such as breathing exercises, grounding techniques, and short wellbeing activities recommended by the NHS. You will also learn how to spot early warning signs, choose small everyday actions that improve your mood, and find safe, trusted sources of support. By the end of the course, you will feel more confident using practical skills to manage your own mental health.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 18/08/2026 -
Tue 25/08/2026
Times:
9:30am - 3:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Whitehawk
Whitehawk Road
Brighton and Hove
BN2 5NS
Tutor:
Alice Lynden
Course code:
Q00027560
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £192.00

Everyday Baking for Wellbeing

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. This Everyday Baking for Wellbeing course supports adults to improve their wellbeing through simple, enjoyable baking activities. Learners explore everyday baking tools, ingredients and routines that promote confidence, calm and positive mental health. Each session includes a practical baking task, opportunities to talk about memories and favourite foods, and gentle wellbeing activities that encourage connection and relaxation. The course is suitable for all adults and provides clear demonstrations and visual support. Activities focus on participation, enjoyment and building confidence through shared baking experiences.
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Course Information

Dates:
Thu 20/08/2026 -
Thu 27/08/2026
Times:
9:30am - 3:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Whitehawk
Whitehawk Road
Brighton and Hove
BN2 5NS
Tutor:
Alice Lynden
Course code:
Q00027559
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
3 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £96.00

Confidence Building

This course is funded by the Greater London Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the Greater London Combined 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.
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Course Information

Dates:
Fri 28/08/2026 -
Fri 13/11/2026
Times:
12:15pm - 2:45pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
The Lighthouse ,60-62 High St, NW10 4LL
The Lighthouse,
60-62 High St, Harlesden
London
Harlesden
London
NW10 4LL
Tutor:
Ozgur Yildiz Caner
Course code:
Q00028566
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £192.00

Confidence Building

This course is funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the West Yorkshire Combined 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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 03/09/2026 -
Thu 17/09/2026
Times:
9:15am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Maximus Bradford
3rd Floor, Shire House
2 Humboldt St
Bradford
BD1 5HQ
Tutor:
Andy Wickremeratne
Course code:
Q00028683
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £192.00