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.

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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

Communicating Confidently

This communication skills course helps learners feel more comfortable in conversations, meetings, or when speaking in public. If you struggle to find your voice or get your point across, this course can help. By the end of this course, you will have more resources at your disposal to help you communicate with confidence, even in unfamiliar situations. You may consider follow-on courses in assertiveness or emotional resilience.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 01/07/2026 -
Wed 01/07/2026
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Phoenix House
1 King Street
Leicester
LE1 6RN
Tutor:
Monika Ryska
Course code:
Q00028271
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £16.00

Building Confidence and Resilience

Resilience is a set of skills which can be learnt and strengthened. This course enables you to practise and embed key skills, techniques, and habits that will help you meet life challenges and navigate transitions more smoothly. These include strategies to improve wellbeing, manage difficult feelings, and engage with others in a positive way. It is activity-based and interactive, with opportunities for discussion in small groups and the chance to discuss your experience of trying out techniques in your life.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 02/07/2026 -
Thu 02/07/2026
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Phoenix House
1 King Street
Leicester
LE1 6RN
Tutor:
Harsha Kotecha
Course code:
Q00028268
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £16.00

Working in Childcare

This course introduces learners to the key roles, responsibilities, and expectations of those working and supporting in Early Years, and is an ideal starting point for anyone considering this career path. WEA also offers a range of courses from short courses to a free Level 2 qualification, and learners can explore work in childcare and discover the range of roles available in a childcare setting.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 02/07/2026 -
Thu 02/07/2026
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Phoenix House
1 King Street
Leicester
LE1 6RN
Tutor:
Chantal Ngounou
Course code:
Q00028270
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £16.00

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Food Hygiene

Preparing for Level 2 Food Hygiene course covers essential topics to prepare learners for Level 2 certification. Learners cover food safety practices, hygiene regulations, and how to prevent contamination. The tutor guides learners through proper food handling, storage, and cleaning techniques. By the end of the course, learners will have a solid understanding of food safety principles and be ready to take their knowledge to the next level — ensuring safe and hygienic food practices in any setting.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 02/07/2026 -
Thu 02/07/2026
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Phoenix House
1 King Street
Leicester
LE1 6RN
Tutor:
Chantal Ngounou
Course code:
Q00028308
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £16.00

Communicating Confidently

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.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 02/07/2026 -
Thu 09/07/2026
Times:
12:00pm - 5:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Olusola McKenzie
Course code:
Q00028325
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £80.00

Mindfulness

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.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 03/07/2026 -
Fri 03/07/2026
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Phoenix House
1 King Street
Leicester
LE1 6RN
Tutor:
Nerissa Fields
Course code:
Q00028272
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £16.00

Building Confidence and Resilience - 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. 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

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 03/07/2026 -
Fri 03/07/2026
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Fiona Mitchell
Course code:
Q00028352
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £16.00

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 06/07/2026 -
Mon 27/07/2026
Times:
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Lisa Richards
Course code:
Q00028235
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £64.00

Communicating Confidently

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.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 06/07/2026 -
Fri 17/07/2026
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Victoria Hall Methodist Church (Sheffiel
Norfolk Street
Sheffield
S1 2JB
Tutor:
Olusola McKenzie
Course code:
Q00028342
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £96.00