2014

Award Winners 2014

www.alw.org.uk

Coordinated by Supported by

North West

I would like to extend huge congratulations to all our award winners because you demonstrate so well the transformative power of learning. You inspire us all!

And to all the regional partners that help each year to make the Adult Learners’ Week celebrations such a success I would like to remind you all:

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”

Henry Ford

Jo Ward Regional Campaign Director North West Adult Learning Consortium

Tel: 07708 428096 Email: nwadultlearningconsortium@gmail.com @AdultLearningNW

Welcome from Jo WardRegional Campaign Director North West Adult Learning Consortium

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Adult Learners’ Week is an uplifting celebration and a brilliant showcase of how lifelong learning contributes to our lives, to our society and to the economy in so many powerful ways.

The award winners in this book demonstrate how all sorts of people benefit from different types of learning in different settings. They also show the breadth of reasons why people learn – to support children’s learning, to contribute to the community, to get that first job, or a promotion, because learning is fun and for the social contact and engagement with others. That variety of type, setting and motivation as well as the breadth of benefits highlight why lifelong learning is so important.

Adult Learners’ Week started in 1992 and has always aimed to celebrate the power of learning and to give recognition to people who have achieved so much. We are still doing that and the awards ceremonies regionally and nationally will, as always, be suitably grand to help inspire all of us in our work. The stories of many of our individual award winners are remarkable. Many of them have returned to learning and through dedication and commitment have achieved beyond what they ever thought possible. All of them have been supported by fantastic teachers and tutors as well as by inspiring learning organisations, including colleges, employers and voluntary organisations.

This year’s Adult Learners’ Week has been part of our new Festival of Learning. Since the beginning of May there have been thousands of events across the country attended by tens of thousands of people. These events include awards and celebrations as well as ‘have a go’ sessions where people can try learning, often for the first time in many years. We know that this taster of how learning can be very different from school is often enough to help people take the first step back into learning, giving them the confidence they needed to take the plunge.

The Festival of Learning brings together a great array of organisations, including unions and employers, colleges and universities, and campaigns like the Skills Show Experience and Museums at Night. This is a good place to thank them all for their efforts at engaging as many adults as possible to inspire them into learning.

All of our efforts are focused on giving more opportunities for adults to participate in the learning they want and need at times and places that are right for them. We believe that achieving a truly lifelong learning society is critical to a vibrant and prosperous society and a healthy and growing economy. The stories of the award winners in this book are evidence of that.

David Hughes, Chief Executive National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE)

Foreword from NIACE

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The European Social Fund is pleased to support Adult Learners’ Week.

ESF was set up to improve employment opportunities in the European Union. It supports Member States’ employment and skills policies and contributes to the Europe 2020 strategy for jobs and smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. The 2007–2013 England ESF programme is investing around £2.5 billion in jobs and skills and a similar ESF investment will be made in the 2014–2020 ESF programme.

In England European Social Fund priorities include active inclusion, enhancing equal access to lifelong learning and improving the labour market relevance of education and training systems. By focusing on those who need support the most, ESF is helping to tackle poverty and promote social justice. ESF also trains people in work so that they have the skills that businesses need in a global economy.

Thanks to ESF support, many more people like our winners have improved their skills and qualifications, overcome adversity and are moving towards or are already in sustainable employment.

ESF is delighted to be once again supporting Adult Learners’ Week and extends warm congratulations to all the winners and nominees. Your success is inspirational.

Angus Gray Head of ESF Division Department for Work and Pensions

European Social Fund (ESF)

I’m a big fan of Adult Learners’ Week. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of adult learners.

It is truly inspiring to see the change education can make to an individual. Acquiring new skills changes a person’s expectations of themselves and their life. If you can get people’s expectations to turn around, you can turn their lives around. Adult Learners’ Week is all about celebrating the achievements of learners who have turned around expectations – both others’ and their own – and one of the joys of my job is meeting people who have done just that.

I am therefore delighted to support Adult Learners’ Week and the contribution it makes not only to celebrating learners who have embraced education in adulthood but also to encouraging those who are considering starting out on a similar journey.

Matthew Hancock MP Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise

Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)

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Programme

Programme

6.30pm Entertainment and refreshments – Fossil Gallery

7.15pm Ceremony opens – Living Worlds Gallery – Jane Hodson MC

Welcome – Dr Nick Merriman, Director of the Museum

NIACE Adult Learners’ Week Awards – David Hughes, CEO NIACE

European Social Fund Individual Award – Steven Leeming Learning Life Skills Project Award – House of Memories Learning Life Skills Individual Award – Deborah Bhatti Learning for Work Apprentice Award – Shaunna Strefford Learning for Work Individual Award – Matt Holmes Learning in Families and Communities Project Award – Money Matters in Kensington Learning in Families and Communities Individual Award – Michael Flynn Young Adult Learner Award – David Ian Simpson Senior Learner Award – Anne Higgins

Trinity College London Regional Award – Janet Golding, ESOL Development and Support Consultant Building Life Skills through ESOL Award – English Corner

Singing in the City with Jules Gibb

Health Education North West Awards – Dr Ged Byrne, Director of Quality Health Education North West

8.30pm Photos and finish

The National Careers Service is once again supporting Adult Learners’ Week and the fantastic work it does to showcase the benefits of learning to adults; no matter their age, ability or ambition.

Adult Learners’ Week triumphs in continually celebrating the huge array of prospects that learning can bring, while encouraging adults to take part in the many opportunities that occur across the country. In the past, Adult Learners’ Week has given adults the taste for learning, and this has led many onto longer term learning opportunities.

Learning is so important. The demand for jobs has increased, while employers seek a workforce with the right knowledge and skills to deliver exactly what they need. The National Careers Service, managed by the Skills Funding Agency (on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills) is committed to giving people the information, advice and guidance that they need so that they can find the right jobs that will enable them to move on in their lives.

The National Careers Service plays an important role in building a sustainable economy through inspiring young people and adults, in and out of work, about how they can transform their lives by accessing high quality, impartial careers advice. Advisers are available to speak to via the helpline, and an interactive, accessible website makes it possible for everyone to find accurate, up-to-date and relevant information on learning and work in their local area. Support is available seven days a week. In addition, access to face-to-face careers advice in the community is available for adults. For more information search online for National Careers Service or call 0800 100 900 between 8am and 10pm, seven days a week.

Since its launch two years ago, the National Careers Service has provided more than 1.5 million new customers with the advice and guidance they need to move on in life. Advisers have delivered 2.5 million face-to-face sessions with adults, while the helpline has handled 788,000 phone calls, emails and webchats – including 117,000 from young people. Over 22.7 million web visits have been made.

I offer my own personal congratulations not only to the winners of Adult Learners’ Week Awards, but to all adults who have taken up learning in the past 12 months, to move their own personal learning journey along the road to success.

Lives are changed through learning.

Barbara Spicer, Chief Executive Skills Funding Agency

National Careers Service

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Steven has gone from feeling that he had nothing to live for to embarking on a learning journey which has changed his life.

At 54 Steven had incredibly low confidence, having recently been made redundant whilst also trying to deal with the death of his best friend and fishing buddy. He felt suicidal and could see no way out of his depression.

He was introduced to a volunteer co-ordinator at Mercer House 1842, a not-for-profit social enterprise set up in 2010 to enable community projects to bring about long-term social, economic and environmental benefits to local people. Mercer House also receives funding from the European Social Fund. Here, Steven was encouraged to share his passion for fishing with others. However, first he had to increase his knowledge and skills in areas such as IT, marketing and giving presentations. On top of this, he accessed various community learning courses such as IT tuition, emergency first aid and canal studies which helped him realise that he did have something to offer. After this it was full steam ahead for Steven and he developed a fishing group open to all: ‘Clayton Scalers’ – and from that day forward Steven became known as Mr Fish.

Nominating Steven, Ally Hodgson, from Mercer House, said: “Mr Fish’s dedication to the group and to his own personal life-changing journey is a testament to how learning and volunteering are complimentary activities which enhance individuals greatly.”

Steven commented: “I have a purpose again to go out fishing and to have the chance to teach others is great. It’s built up my self-confidence again and it’s all through Mercer House.”

Nominator and Publicity contact: Ally Hodgson, Community Development Worker, Mercer House 1842 Ltd

Contact details: 01254 659427; allison@mercerhouse1842.org

European Social Fund Individual Award Winner

Steven LeemingAge 60, Accrington, Lancashire

The European Social Fund (ESF) is a European Union initiative that supports activities to extend employment opportunities and develop a skilled workforce.

The European Social Fund (ESF) aims to improve employment opportunities in the European Union by supporting Member States’ employment and skills policies. In England, since 2007, the ESF continues to invest £2.5 billion in jobs and skills, giving people who need support the most, including those in the most disadvantaged communities, the tools and help they need to fulfil their potential.

In 2014–2020 the England ESF programme will:

help young people, jobseekers and inactive people access employment

tackle barriers to work faced by disadvantaged people

invest in education, skills and lifelong learning.

You can find out more at www.dwp.gov.uk/esf

The ESF congratulates all this year’s winners and encourages many more people to follow their inspiring examples by engaging in learning and developing their potential.

European Social Fund Awards

Supported by

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Learning in Families and Communities Awards

These awards recognise the importance of learning in improving the lives of individuals, families, local communities and local economies. This year’s award winners prove how learning opportunities at times and places to suit local people can transform communities, empower people to take control of their lives and help them to take part in further learning or formal training and find work. These awards also highlight how, by learning together, whole families can transform their prospects for the future.

Young Adult Learner Award – Supported by the Edge Foundation

This award celebrates the achievements of young adult learners who, through their passion and determination to succeed, have embraced learning opportunities to achieve their potential and continue to inspire others around them.

Senior Learner Award

This award proves that learning knows no boundaries when it comes to age and that discoveries can still be made and passions can be fulfilled at any time in life.

We are delighted to have the continued support of our partners for the Adult Learners’ Week Awards 2014The achievements of individuals, employers and learning projects celebrated by the awards highlight not only the diversity of learning opportunities available to adults, but how people from all walks of life use learning to improve their lives. Each one of our winners’ stories clearly shows the positive impact that learning can have on individuals, their families, communities and careers.

Learning Life Skills Awards – Supported by BBC

These awards celebrate individuals who have taken up learning to improve their skills for personal development, as well as projects and organisations that offer innovative opportunities for individuals to improve their functional, literacy, numeracy, ESOL, digital, civic, health and financial capability skills.

Learning for Work Awards – Supported by NOCN

These awards celebrate the achievements of adults who have learnt through an Apprenticeship or Traineeship, secured employment or a promotion at work, embarked on a new career, or started their own business. They also recognise the innovative projects and provision that have supported adults to learn at or for work.

Adult Learners’ Week National and Regional Awards 2014

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Despite significant personal problems, learning in later life has led Deborah to make some remarkable achievements. She now volunteers as a mentor, encouraging others to take up learning and overcome barriers of their own.

Deborah missed out on most of her education and left school without having been entered for a single exam. Nevertheless, due to her perseverance, she managed to enrol on an Access to Higher Education Course studying Humanities and Social Sciences.

Without any additional support from friends or family, Deborah went on to complete a degree in Applied Community Studies at Manchester Metropolitan University. Since then, Deborah has achieved many other qualifications, including a postgraduate degree in Welfare Studies, a graduate diploma in Psychology, Level 3 in Learning Support, Mental Health Awareness and Peer Mentoring.

Deborah now uses the knowledge and experience she has gained from her learning to support other people in her community. She volunteers as a learning mentor for people with learning disabilities and mental health issues, and as a caseworker at the Royal British Legion.

Peer Bhatti, Deborah’s husband and carer, said: “Deborah’s learning has a positive impact on her life by raising her aspirations and helping her to cope with her illness. She sees learning as a continual process and works incredibly hard.”

Deborah commented: “These courses have made a huge difference to my life. I am able to help others with the knowledge and experience I have gained, and volunteer using my skills in the local community.”

Nominator: Peer Bhatti

Publicity contact: Ed Media, Head of Media, NIACE Contact details: 0116 204 4248; ed.melia@niace.org.uk

Developed by National Museums Liverpool, the House of Memories project offers a dementia awareness training programme for North West health, social care and housing providers, helping to transform the quality of care for people living with dementia.

Reaching more than 4,500 participants to date, House of Memories is changing the professional lives of health, social care and housing workers. The training programme uses objects, archives and stories held at the Museum of Liverpool to inspire carers to use memory activities in order to provide a stimulating

and rewarding experience for people living with dementia. At the project’s heart is giving carers an improved understanding of dementia, allowing participants to develop a more responsive and appropriate care relationship rather than a reactive ‘textbook’ method.

To extend the learning beyond the initial training, participants are also equipped with resources to take back into work settings. A particularly popular resource is the Museum’s ‘Suitcase of Memories’, which contains items from particular decades that carers can use to stimulate conversations with dementia patients, allowing them to reminisce and chat about the different objects.

The impact of House of Memories as a professional development tool has provided true added value for the health, social care and housing sectors. One participant commented: “House of Memories really made a difference to how I approach my work, my volunteer work, and my relationships with others. I hope to continue putting into practice the learning and have seen the difference it has had on my fellow colleagues, volunteers and most importantly those living with dementia in my community.”

Nominator: Laura Cunliffe, Research Team Leader, National Museums Liverpool Contact details: 0151 478 4934; laura.cunliffe@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

Publicity contact: Lucy Cattell Contact details: lucy.cattell@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

Learning Life Skills Project Award Winner Learning Life Skills Individual Award Winner

House of MemoriesLiverpool

Deborah BhattiAge 44, Manchester

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Supported by Supported by

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Matt Holmes has overcome significant difficulties to embark on a Supported Internship scheme, working towards a certificate in Personal Progression through Employment. His hard work and dedication have led to great achievements as part of his internship at Trafford General Hospital.

After many years spent volunteering, Matt was determined to carve a professional career for himself. As part of the Internship Scheme, Matt had the opportunity to undertake three work placements at Trafford General Hospital, and he has been praised for his concentration, accuracy and enthusiasm throughout his time there.

Matt, who has cerebral palsy and is an amputee after he lost his arm when he was a baby, has also immersed himself in the social aspects of the programme and has greatly improved his confidence through participation in group activities. He has received positive feedback for both his professional work and his contribution to the workplace, which included producing a short film to help train others who are new to the department.

Fiona Halyburton, Lecturer, Supported Internship Scheme, commented: “Matt has demonstrated high levels of maturity, motivation and commitment. Everyone who has worked alongside him has commented on the significant impact he has made during his internship. The hospital has also seen tangible benefits as he has saved an unbelievable £13,000 in medicines that had been lost in the system.”

Matt said: “Having spent a lot of time in the care of doctors and nurses throughout my life, I couldn’t think of a more rewarding place to work. My confidence has grown immensely and I’m now very positive about my future.”

Nominator: Fiona Halyburton, Lecturer, Trafford College Contact details: 07949 256395; fiona.halyburton@trafford.ac.uk

Publicity contact: Liz Byrne, Press Officer, Trafford College Contact details: 0161 9524861; elizabeth.byrne@trafford.ac.uk

Lance Corporal Shaunna Strefford serves in the Royal Military Police (RMP) and has excelled on the Advanced Apprenticeship in Policing. Shaunna met every target set for her, often working in her own time to ensure she exceeded National Occupational Standards in Policing as set by the UK College of Policing.

As well as classroom based activity, the Advanced Apprenticeship in Policing also involves practical, “on the job” training. Shaunna has proven herself capable of dealing with a range of policing incidents. She demonstrated an ability to remain calm while under intense pressure and thereby instil confidence in her colleagues. On one occasion, for example, she was the first member of the RMP to respond to an incident in which a potentially dangerous individual had barricaded himself in a room while in a highly emotional state. Using

skills taught during the early stages of the Apprenticeship, Shaunna calmly talked to the individual and resolved the situation without anyone sustaining any injuries. In doing so she demonstrated bravery in the most difficult of conflict resolution situations, while at the same time ensuring her own safety and that of others.

Her nominator, Field Force Assessor Sharon Fergusson said, “Shaunna has used the Apprenticeship to the best effect possible in raising her own knowledge and skill level and that of those around her. She is now helping to mentor other personnel enrolled on the Apprenticeship, demonstrating that the scheme not only benefits the individual, but also aids the organisation as a whole.”

RMP personnel are unique in that they have to be able to operate as soldiers and police personnel. Shaunna is now training for an operational deployment to Afghanistan. However, she also plans to continue her learning journey by looking for new courses to aid her career progression. Given the breadth and depth of their policing responsibilities, RMP personnel may attend a wide range of internal and external specialist police training courses, often training alongside experienced civilian police detectives at nationally approved centres of excellence.

However, the foundation training for RMP recruits is now the Advanced Apprenticeship in Policing. This is the first Apprenticeship of its kind in the UK and one of over 40 Apprenticeships offered within the Army’s extensive Apprenticeship programme.

Nominator: Sharon Fergusson, Field Force Assessor, Babcock Training Ltd Contact details: 02392 284547; sharon.fergusson@babcockinternational.com

Publicity contact: Dave Allen, Army Press Officer Contact details: ArmyMediaComm-AMC-1UKXX-APO-C2@mod.uk

Learning for Work Individual Award WinnerLearning for Work Apprentice Award Winner

Matt Holmes Age 25, Manchester

Shaunna StreffordAge 23

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Supported by Supported by

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Before beginning his learning journey, Michael, who has autism, was very shy in social situations, but he has now made new friends, is in a relationship and has finally found his confidence.

After struggling with his confidence and finding it hard to cope, Michael attended a Learning Disabilities Advocacy course run by Blackpool Adult, Community and Family Learning (ACFL). During the course, his self-confidence grew and he achieved an accreditation for Rights and Responsibilities. He has since enrolled in various other courses, including Friendship Matters, following the loss of friendships after being made redundant. Michael then progressed to a job club with Blackpool ACFL, where he learnt to create a CV.

As a result of taking these courses, Michael is now able to manage juggling classes and voluntary work with caring for three young children.

Michael’s nominator, Wendy Stevenson, said, “Michael now gives eye contact assuredly and has developed a great sense of humour that would never have been witnessed a few years ago, which shows how much his self-esteem has developed. Michael is now on a film-making course with me and is doing so well. He’s enjoying it so much that he is thinking of taking it further and possibly starting his own business!”

Michael has gone on to begin training in First Aid with the Red Cross and now volunteers in one of Blackpool ACFL’s literacy courses for people with learning disabilities, which he finds very rewarding.

Nominator: Wendy Stevenson, Curriculum Manager, Blackpool Adult, Community and Family Learning

Contact details: 01253 476828; wendy.stevenson@blackpool.gov.uk

Publicity contact: Adam Ogden, Communications Support Officer Contact details: 01253477273; adam.ogden@blackpool.gov.uk

The Money Matters in Kensington project aims to equip vulnerable, isolated parents with the skills and knowledge they need to make informed choices and take control of their finances and family lives.

The course objectives are for individuals to learn IT skills, increase family well-being, develop financial awareness and capability, increase awareness of local agencies that can give financial support and advice, develop friendship networks and strengthen social networks. The course is comprised of a number of different sessions, such as a short IT course, as well as group sessions that focus on a specific area such as savings or managing debt.

Before starting the course, 54 per cent of attendees reported that they were stressed about their financial situation, however, by the end of the course this number had dropped to just 13 per cent. Before the course, 46 per cent of attendees said they felt ‘almost hopeless’ when dealing with money matters. Post course this dropped to just eight per cent, with 50 per cent feeling quite confident; only four per cent reported this before starting the course.

One learner said, “I came to England from Poland five years ago with my partner. I was quite depressed and lonely at first as I knew no one and everything was new to me. Since then, Money Matters has helped me to meet other people from England and other countries. We all have shared experiences and many people now feel less isolated. Also, by covering topics such as welfare benefits, banking and interest rates on borrowing I have become more aware of the official systems and laws here in the UK and I am now able to guide my friends on money matters.

“I feel so strongly about the positive benefits of this project that I gathered the courage to stand up at the annual Parents’ Conference at Kensington Children’s Centre to tell other parents about it and to encourage them to join.”

Nominator: Lyn Carey, Children’s Centre Manager, Parks Options Ltd Contact details: 0151 733 2937; lyn.carey@parksoptions.co.uk

Publicity contact: Graham Bell, Chief Executive, Parks Options Ltd Contact details: 0151 300 8420; graham.bell@parksoptions.co.uk

Learning in Families and Communities Project Award Winner

Learning in Families and Communities Individual Award Winner

Money Matters in KensingtonLiverpool

Michael FlynnAge 38, Blackpool

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In just three years, David has gone from being unable to get on an Apprenticeship to beginning a new career in plastering, setting up his own business and winning a silver medal in a national skills competition.

When David first began his studies at Carlisle College they identified issues with dyslexia which explained why he had been struggling with his studies. But through additional support provided by the college and the European Social Fund he was able to pass his first year with a distinction.

Since then, David has gone from strength to strength. He achieved a second distinction for his Level 2 qualification, won the regional SkillBuild competition against several other talented plasters and then went on to the national final of the Skills Show where he won a silver medal.

Now completing his Level 3 qualification, David is excelling and has even set up his own business, employing one other person. He sometimes takes fellow students on jobs with him to give them the opportunity to learn some of the skills he has acquired. He has also volunteered his time and expertise to help with several charitable projects, including on the television programme DIY SOS, where he helped renovate a house for a local disabled boy. His nominator describes David as “an exemplar student and a fantastic role model, not only within construction but across the college.”

David says “In the upcoming years I hope to keep on growing my business whilst keeping to the same high standards I have been taught. I also wish to become a plastering lecturer in the future to pass on my skills to new beginners.”

Nominator: Matty McLeish, Construction Manager, Carlisle College Contact details: 01228 822880; mmcleish@carlisle.ac.uk

Publicity contact: Paul Walker, Head of Marketing, Carlisle College Contact details: 01228 822000; pwalker@carlisle.ac.uk

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Great personal tragedy had left Anne in a delicate frame of mind and she withdrew from life outside her own front door. However, taking the brave step to enrol on a creative writing course has given her a whole new life and made her a vital part of her local community.

After being attacked in her workplace, dealing with cancer and then losing her son in a motorcycle accident, Anne Higgins was in emotional turmoil and so low in confidence that she was reluctant to leave her house. Desperate to bring her back to life, her sister encouraged her to look at a prospectus where Anne saw a creative writing course that caught her attention, as she thought it might help her to improve the church magazine that she produced.

Anne said, “Ann Bates (the tutor) brought me out of myself. She inspired me to put stuff on paper that had been in my heart. I found that I was looking forward to going to the classes. I had no trouble leaving the flat. I was starting to actually create and not just relive my pain. My shell was cracked and I was slowly crawling out of it.”

When her course ended, Anne arranged for her class to meet weekly at her church in order to continue writing. She became an essential part of the community and has gone on to join other groups, including the church craft group, and meet new people.

The church magazine has also benefited and is now full of creative stories from Anne and other parishioners.

Nominator: Ann Bates, Liverpool Adult Learning Service Contact details: longfellow20@googlemail.com

Publicity contact: Sue O’Neill Contact details: sue.o’neill@liverpool.gov.uk

Shortlisted for the National Senior Learner Award

Shortlisted for the National Young Adult Learner Award

Anne Higgins Age 67, Liverpool

David Ian SimpsonAge 22, Carlisle, Cumbria

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Supported by

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English Corner is an inclusive, vibrant and dynamic English language programme for people who are learning to speak English. It uses gallery and museum collections to enhance speaking and listening skills, offering three free sessions per month at Manchester Art Gallery and Manchester Museum. The gallery also runs short courses in partnership with community organisations, which combine ESOL and Craft. These have been very successful, with women having meaningful conversations in English by the end of the ten-week course, as well as having the opportunity to share and learn skills. The English Corner programme supports language learning in a mainstream environment where participants not only get to meet people from a wide range of different cultures but are able to experience and enjoy collections of both local, national and international significance, which often resonate with places that participants call home. The programme is characterised by effective relationships with ESOL tutors in the community.

Nominator: Ruth Edson, Community Development Manager Manchester Art Gallery

Publicity contact: Jane Wilcox , Marketing Manager Manchester Art Gallery Contact details: 0161 235 8865; j.wilcox@manchester.ac.uk

Building Life Skills through ESOL Award Winner

English CornerManchester

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Trinity College London is a leading international exam board, offering qualifications across a range of disciplines in performing and creative arts and English language learning and teaching.

Our exams and assessments help equip people to communicate and perform well. Our approach is to build learners’ confidence and inspire them to progress by marking stages of achievement at all levels of competence.

We deliver 600,000 assessments in over 60 countries each year, valued by colleges, universities and employers worldwide.

As an awarding body with a commitment to social inclusion and supporting the wider community, Trinity is proud to sponsor the Building Life Skills through ESOL Award at Adult Learners’ Week 2014, which recognises learning journeys that inspire others to learn.

For more information: www.trinitycollege.co.uk

Marcia Henry-Morgan Trinity College London 89 Albert Embankment London SE1 7TP T +44 (0)20 7820 4728 F +44 (0)20 7820 6161 www.trinitycollege.co.uk

Trinity College London

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Aristotle said, The whole is greater than the sum of its parts and never a truer word was spoken. Without a commitment to collaboration and partnership there would not be an Adult Learners’ Week.

Adult Learners’ Week is all about a shared vision, deeply rooted common values and ambition. The North West Adult Learners’ Week partnership believes adult learning transforms people and their lives and helps make society a better place for everyone.

Adult Learners’ Week provides a rich and dynamic platform to celebrate, promote and advance all kinds of learning. It provides a focus to celebrate the achievements of adult learners whilst simultaneously providing countless opportunities for adults to explore learning through hands-on activity, during hundreds of free workshops and taster sessions.

It celebrates the achievements of ordinary people who do extraordinary things; people who find the time, energy and creativity to learn something new and whose stories provide the inspiration to encourage others to try learning themselves. The week is characterised by a single-minded commitment by a myriad of individuals and organisations to work together to make this all happen.

I would therefore like to highlight contributions from our core partners: Health Education North West, the Major Partner Museums Consortia – specifically Manchester Museum and National Museums Liverpool – TUC Learning, North West Employers, Music in Health and the British Council.

And a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed in any way to make it happen!

North West Adult Learners’ Week Team 2014

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Henry Ford said, Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success. This aptly describes the dynamic interplay between a range of partners across the public, private and third sectors who come together to create a rich tapestry of opportunity during the Adult Learners’ Week Festival of Learning throughout May and June. These are just a few of this year’s festival highlights.

Looking backThis year’s Festival of Learning opened with two free Resilience Masterclasses thanks to the generosity of the international author and behavioural consultant, Liggy Webb. Liggy’s audience were in learning raptures all day. Manchester Museum was busting at the seams with over 100 highly enthusiastic participants. And Liggy capped everything off with a fabulous BBC broadcast at Media City.

Hat Works delivered a series of free workshops designed to bring out the maker in anyone, whilst a handpicked team of early career milliners underwent an intensive development programme to create the selling exhibition, Making Headway. This culminated in a spectacular cat walk show in partnership with the Manchester School of Architecture who developed a breathtaking installation of 10,000 hats.

Looking forward to Adult Learners’ Week 14–20 JuneIn Cumbria the Wordsworth Trust is running a series of free informal explorations of Wordsworth’s best poetry.

On 13th June the Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester is opening up the Great Hall to the public for a free concert with the RNCM – Music in Hospitals Team, and on 15th June it is hosting a celebration of community choirs.

To round things off, in Liverpool on 20th June there’s a museum take over at World Museum, and learning galore.

Check out the online events diary here: www.alw.org.uk/events

Adult Learners’ Week in the North West

Acknowledgements

Thank you to all of our funders and partners for supporting Adult Learners’ Week

www.alw.org.uk

About ESF The European Social Fund (ESF) aims to improve employment opportunities in the European Union by supporting Member States’ employment and skills policies. In England, since 2007, the ESF continues to invest £2.5 billion in jobs and skills, giving people who need support the most, including those in the most disadvantaged communities, the tools and help they need to fulfil their potential. In 2014–2020 the England ESF programme will:– help young people, jobseekers and inactive people access employment– tackle barriers to work faced by disadvantaged people – invest in education, skills and lifelong learning.

You can find out more at www.dwp.gov.uk/esf

About Adult Learners’ Week Adult Learners’ Week is a national celebration of the transformational impact of lifelong learning. It is a great way for people to explore the many types of learning available and for organisations to showcase the learning opportunities they can provide.

2014