In case you missed it: great blog from Monica Boulton, posted on Social Prescribing Day but relevant all year round and building on a great discussion at our recent Lifelong Learning Labs roundtable on health & wellbeing

"𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝐮𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥? 𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞." This Social Prescribing Day, Monica Boulton of the National Academy for Social Prescribing explores the links between social prescribing & lifelong learning. #WEALabs #SocialPrescribingDay thewea.info/4dJZPW2

One down, five to go! 🧪 Our CEO, Simon Parkinson, shares his reflections on Tuesday's first Lifelong Learning Labs roundtable. Thanks to everyone who attended for sharing your thoughts and recommendations with us. Have your say: bit.ly/41aucxo #WEALabs

We believe ESOL classes are a vital tool for empowerment. High-quality English language courses are a fundamental right, essential for fostering the sense of belonging and community integration. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

🧠✨Learning doesn’t just sharpen your skills, it strengthens your mind 🧠✨ The health benefits of lifelong learning are a vital part of our #WEALabs research. How has lifelong learning positively impacted your wellbeing? Have your say: thewea.info/4dcWFK5

The @weaadulted.bsky.social Lifelong Learning Labs have got off to a flying start. If you'd like to know more and get involved, follow the links below. The future of lifelong learning is up to us working together.

‼️ Your reminder to complete the GFT Educational Trust workers’ survey on trade union education. This is your chance to share your experience of trade unions and union education and impact the future. ⏱️ It only takes 3-7 minutes to complete. Take part now: gftuet.org.uk/workersvoice...

The Lifelong Learning Labs are here and we’re inviting you in. They’re a national experiment exploring what learning unlocks for adults at work, at home and in our communities. Because adults deserve better. Have your say: thewea.info/4axvRCH #WEALabs

Today is Safer Internet Day, and we’re helping you stay one step ahead of the scrolls. Join our popular Social Media Disinformation course to learn how to spot "fake news," verify sources, and outsmart the algorithms: thewea.info/_disinformat... #SaferInternetDay #DigitalSkills

Government plans to link volunteering with immigration status have raised concerns across the charity sector. We’re adding our voice to that of @ncvo.bsky.social, who are calling for a different approach. Learn more: thewea.info/45PRNGr

Democracy isn't just built at the ballot box, it’s also built in our social clubs. For 100 years, lifelong learning has been the engine of social renewal. But to make it work, we need spaces where we can actually meet, talk, and grow together. thewea.info/45Gqtua

We all seek activities that help us relax, reduce stress, and improve our mental health on a budget, yet we often struggle to find them. If you're unsure where to start, here are some ideas for creative hobbies you can easily start or pick up again.

Meet Terri. “To me, sewing is a life skill and something that should be taught in schools everywhere from a young age." This International Creativity Month, why not embrace your creativity and improve your wellbeing? We're here for you.

This ITV News feature on young asylum seekers highlights a truth we see every day at the WEA: learning is a lifeline. For these young people, a classroom isn't just about textbooks; it’s about dignity, belonging, and the hope of rebuilding a life. www.itv.com/news/2026-01...

@GFTUET X @SOASEconomics has launched a workers’ survey on trade union education. Open to ALL WORKERS in Britain and Ireland (any nationality, job status, or union membership) ⏰3–7 mins | 🔐Confidential Take part now! gftuet.org.uk/workersvoice...

Today is International Day of Education, a global reminder that learning is a fundamental human right and a powerful tool for change. 🌍📚 At the WEA, we know that education goes far beyond the classroom. It is a vital tool for health and wellbeing, proven to build self-esteem.

It doesn't have to be something obvious like painting. Your creativity can show itself much more subtly in the form of doodling in your notebook or journaling. However, if you've lost your flair, we're here to help you find and grow it this International Creativity Month.

Meet Kelly. "I had never done sewing before. I always thought I just don't have that creative gene." Enter the WEA sewing class, an experience that opened a new world of creativity. This International Creativity Month, feel inspired: there's a WEA creative course for you.

Our Learner Support and Progression Team Leader, Katie Hall, has put together her top five tips for study success. What top tips do you suggest? bit.ly/47sHVCr

WEA partners with Good Things Foundation to tackle digital inclusion beyond access: thewea.info/4jfRv1c

January is often a time for making plans and new year’s resolutions, so we’ve running a Creativity for Wellbeing journaling workshop for WEA members. Not a WEA member? Learn about the benefits and join here: www.wea.org.uk/become-member

Did you know we run regular 'Wellness Wednesday' events? In a recent session, hypnotherapist and sleep and stress consultant Melanie Davies delivered an interactive wellbeing session. Find our next Wellness Wednesday event: www.wea.org.uk/events

Happy New Year to our amazing WEA learners, volunteers, members, staff and tutors! ✨ January is International Creativity Month, so we’re celebrating the spark of imagination in everyone. Keep an eye on our feed for inspiring blogs, videos, inspiring stories and activities🎨📚

To everyone celebrating today... Merry Christmas from all of us here at the WEA 🎄🎅 Don't forget - there's still time to register for our free course running today from 3:15-5:15. We'd love to see you there! #JoinIn Find out more at: thewea.info/christmascourse

Don't forget that there's still time to join our free course, The 12 Lunches of Christmas, tomorrow from 3:15pm to 5:15pm. The session will be a relaxed and welcoming opportunity to pause, connect and enjoy the afternoon with others. #JoinIn Find out more at: thewea.info/christmascourse

125 weeks until we are 125 years old! On 16th May 2028 we celebrate 125 years of championing learning for all. Our mission hasn’t changed since we were founded in 1903. We’re still fighting for lifelong learning, just as these learners back in 1909 would have wanted. #WEA125

Our Learner Support department closes for the Christmas period from 4:30pm tomorrow, Tuesday 23rd December. WEA offices will reopen again at 9am, Friday 2nd January. The Learner Support team will be unavailable during this time, on phones, email or live chat.

You are warmly invited to join our free course, The 12 Lunches of Christmas, on Christmas Day from 3:15pm to 5:15pm. The session will be a relaxed and welcoming opportunity to pause, connect and enjoy the afternoon with others. Find out more at: thewea.info/christmascourse

The latest report from the Association of Colleges makes a compelling case for positioning lifelong learning at the heart of health strategies. You can read our full response, including a link to their report, on our website. @aoc-info.bsky.social

Today is Human Rights Day. We'll say it: lifelong learning isn’t just a privilege, it should be a fundamental human right. In a world that’s constantly evolving, the ability to learn, adapt, and grow empowers individuals to thrive and lead meaningful lives. #HumanRightsDay

Navjot Johal, our Director of Learning, was a speaker at Wednesday's event. He discussed the need for a long term and sustainable lifelong learning strategy and also highlighted to the panel how the WEA sees lifelong learning as a policy solution to multiple challenges such as health and wellbeing.

We understand if you can't give money right now - but please could you share this post to help us reach more people? With your support, we can help those who need it most this #GivingTuesday thewea.info/GivingTuesday

📢 The UK Autumn Budget lands tomorrow —what does it mean for adult education and lifelong learning? Get the full explainer on what to expect, who’s in charge, and why it matters: bit.ly/4742M01

WEA in the news 📰 Read our learner's story in the Newcastle Chronicle thewea.info/4r4QIU7

We were recently featured in FE Week, you can read the full article via the link below

Last week was Get The Nation Learning Week. Read WEA CEO @simonparkinson.bsky.social blog reflecting on the week gone by: bit.ly/4nDfRCk #getthenationlearning

It’s Get the Nation Learning Week, and what does the nation care about more than tea? WEA Volunteer, Jim and Lifelong Learning Advocate, Alfie take a minute to swap secrets to brewing the perfect cuppa. #getthenationlearning www.youtube.com/shorts/ZiUHx...

In celebration of Get The Nation Learning Week, we’ve put together a blog about five famous lifelong learners whose passion for learning has inspired millions to continuously explore and seek new knowledge: bit.ly/4974xLt #GetTheNationLearning @learnworkuk.bsky.social

Broadcaster, Bard of Barnsley, and all-round word wizard Ian McMillan has penned a brand-new poem just for us. It’s a joyful ode to lifelong learning, created exclusively to celebrate Get the Nation Learning Week. What are you inspired to learn this week? #getthenationlearning

Get The Nation Learning Week is here, and WEA is proud to be an official supporter of this national celebration of adult education and lifelong learning. Our latest blog tells you all you need to know about this special week: bit.ly/4hujg4U#GetT...

Happy Halloween from everyone at the WEA! #halloween

From witches' fingers to decadent red velvet cupcakes, take a look at our frightfully good recipes that are sure to please all your fellow ghouls and goblins. #halloween

Don't forget to adjust your clocks! ⏰

Adult learning deserves better: a Pre-24 not Post-16 Education White Paper. In a 38,910 word document, adults are mentioned just 0.13%. Read WEA CEO @SimonParkinson6 full response here: bit.ly/4oBgdKV

This morning Mayor of the :East Midlands, Claire Ward, met with ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) learners and staff at our newly launched Nottingham Community Learning Hub to see first-hand how accessible adult education builds stronger communities.

The WEA team are attending @conservatives.bsky.social Party Conference in Manchester, fighting the good fight for lifelong learning, check out our posts for updates through the day #CPC25

Learning to Thrive Ahead of #WorldMentalHeathDay on Friday we’re highlighting the role of lifelong learning in building confidence, reducing isolation and supporting mental wellbeing. Whether it’s a new skill, a new perspective or a new environment, learning helps us grow, inside and out.

This #WorldTeachersDay, we're celebrating our brilliant WEA tutors who teach online and in local venues across England and Scotland. 🎓Thank you! Hear from our learners about the difference it has made to their learning💚https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5miwxJFFPJc

In order to flourish in her social care career, Favour went in search of a WEA course that would help her to improve her English reading and writing skills. thewea.info/46yBjDt

Watch @simonparkinson.bsky.social give his final thoughts from Labour Party Conference @teamlabouruk.bsky.social #lab25