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 11 - 20 of 71

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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

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 13/08/2026 -
Thu 20/08/2026
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:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £96.00

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:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £192.00

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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 07/09/2026 -
Mon 07/12/2026
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
13 sessions
Location:
Belong Nottingham
Forest Road West
Nottingham
NG7 4EP
Tutor:
Imran Khan
Course code:
Q00027163
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £192.00

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Confidence for Creatives

This course is funded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the Greater Manchester Combined Authority area. Confidence for Creatives is a practical and reflective course designed to help you understand yourself, build essential employability skills, and grow as a confident creative thinker. Through activities such as the Shield of Life and exploring the 7 Elements of Society, you will identify personal barriers and consider how your life experiences shape who you are. You will develop key skills including communication, public speaking, problem‑solving, and CV writing, while learning the importance of assertive behaviour. The course concludes with creating a visual representation of your core values, helping you understand their impact and how they guide your future.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 07/09/2026 -
Mon 09/11/2026
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
18 sessions
Location:
ADAB /Mosses Centre
Edward Street
Bury
BL9 0RZ
Tutor:
Nasim Akhtar
Course code:
Q00027287
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £360.00

Confidence Building

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. 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:
Mon 07/09/2026 -
Mon 28/09/2026
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Landport Community Centre (Portsmouth)
Charles Street
Portsmouth
PO1 1JD
Tutor:
Joanna Browning-Seyfi
Course code:
Q00027816
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 Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. 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:
Mon 07/09/2026 -
Fri 09/10/2026
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Clovelly Centre (Southampton)
60-68 Clovelly Road
Southampton
SO14 0AU
Tutor:
Irma Gough
Course code:
Q00027619
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 Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. 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:
Mon 07/09/2026 -
Mon 30/11/2026
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Mount Pleasant School (Southampton)
Mount Pleasant Road
Newtown
Southampton
SO14 0WZ
Tutor:
Irma Gough
Course code:
Q00027620
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 Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. 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:
Mon 07/09/2026 -
Fri 09/10/2026
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Whitehawk
Whitehawk Road
Brighton and Hove
BN2 5NS
Tutor:
Jane Perrin
Course code:
Q00027504
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £192.00

Foundations in Healthy Living (baking)

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities.  The course Foundations in Healthy Living (Baking) will help you develop healthier eating habits and greater confidence in preparing nutritious baked foods. It is suitable for all baking skill levels, and learners are encouraged to work at their own pace. You will explore how baking can support wellbeing by using balanced ingredients, reducing sugar and fat, and making simple, healthy swaps. The course promotes practical kitchen skills, improved food awareness, and confidence in creating healthier meals at home. By the end, you will have developed the knowledge and techniques needed to support a more balanced, health‑focused lifestyle through baking.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 07/09/2026 -
Mon 16/11/2026
Times:
12:30pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Whitehawk
Whitehawk Road
Brighton and Hove
BN2 5NS
Tutor:
Jane Perrin
Course code:
Q00027568
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £192.00