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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 2d

Now at the @smfthinktank.bsky.social livestream on health inequality: Professor Arpana Verma speaking on the importance of listening to communities and supporting hyper local organisations when tackling health inequalities. Dr @beckymontacute.bsky.social in the chair. #CPC25

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 2d

We're at the Centre for Policy Research fringe on men and boys, with @mimsdavies.bsky.social shadow minister for women and @drlukeevans.org.uk shadow health minister. @conservatives.bsky.social #CPC25

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 3d

he first fringe session of the day sees
@andrewcities.bsky.social
CEO of @centreforcities.bsky.social in conversation with Mayor Paul Bristow of Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority #CPC25

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 3d

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

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 3d

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.

Ahead of #WorldMentalHeathDay on Friday we’re highlighting the role of lifelong learning in building confidence, reducing isolation and supporting mental wellbeing.

The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 3d

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

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 5d

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

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 7d

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

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 8d

"We wholeheartedly welcome the Prime Minister’s remarks this afternoon calling out rising racism in the UK. And it’s exciting to see Further Education finally recognised as central to the UK’s economic growth and skills agenda." read more: bit.ly/4pPcYAQ #lab25

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 9d

Today is International Podcast Day, a celebration of the power of podcasts! We've collated our top 10 educational podcasts for your aural pleasure: www.wea.org.uk/news-views/b... #podcast #InternationalPodcastDay

The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 9d

Day 2 of @uklabour.bsky.social Party Conference #lab25 We're at the Institute for Government fringe on devolution. In answer to WEA question, high street learning hubs could bring learning to where people are says EMCCA Deputy Mayor @nadinepeatfield.bsky.social

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 9d

Some views on today's Labour Party Conference from our own Senior Public Policy Manager, Chris Butcher #lab25

The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 9d

@local.gov.uk session about the importance of resetting relationship between central and local government. Key is breaking down departmental silos and increasing flexibility - local people shouldn't be constrained by administrative boundaries. @allymcgovern.bsky.social #LAB25

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Reposted by The WEA

La Reine des Metaphores @metaphorqu.bsky.social · 9d

Two of my favourite organisations. I'm not sure how my life would have gone if it hadn't been for the WEA back in the 80's.

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 9d

New Statesman session on cross sector collaboration to address mental health crisis. Emphasis on strengthening communities and building the capacity of voluntary sector as trusted agencies. @debbieabrahamsmp.bsky.social @sojanjosephmp.bsky.social @newstatesman.bsky.social #Lab25

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 9d

Great to be at The Fabian’s ‘Every age, every stage: Opening the doors to lifelong learning’ discussion this morning. @joedromey.bsky.social General Secretary of @thefabians.bsky.social made the important that ‘we shouldn’t instumentalise lifelong learning. Learning is importantant in of itself’

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 9d

Day 2 at @UKLabour Party Conference #Lab25

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 12d

Every year on September 26th, Europe celebrates the European Day of Languages — a vibrant reminder of the continent’s rich tapestry of cultures, identities, and, most importantly, languages. Read more in our blog: www.wea.org.uk/news-views/b...

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 13d

We welcome the announcement of the Government's 'Pride in Place' programme. Learn more: www.gov.uk/government/n...

Imagine this...empty high street spaces transformed into vibrant adult learning hubs.

Places where the whole community can come together to grow, learn, and connect.

These welcoming centres could offer more than just lifelong learning, creating spaces for wellbeing and friendship.

Many adults find confidence to learn again in community venues, especially after tough experiences in formal education.

That’s why we’d love to see more of these centres across the UK, giving hope and connection to communities overlooked by previous investment.

Every neighbourhood deserves the chance to thrive.

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 14d

Franciska was struggling with mental health issues and trying to juggle working supermarket hours with caring for her young daughter. Franciska enrolled on WEA teaching assistant and mental health awareness courses and now has turned her life around:: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YVI...

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 15d

The WEA yesterday announced an exciting new partnership with Samosa Media , a BAME-led arts and education charity, to co-develop a series of innovative learning and community engagement initiatives focused on British Asian history and cultural heritage: www.wea.org.uk/news-views/n...

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 16d

"It is extremely disappointing that the Education Committee's report on Further Education almost entirely overlooks adult learners... the Committee has neglected the opportunity to broaden its scope to say more about adult learning." read our response here: www.wea.org.uk/news-views/n...

“We submitted evidence to the inquiry underlining that lifelong learning in all its forms is a key part of further education helping many adults towards their first qualifications as well as improving confidence and wellbeing.

However, the Committee has neglected the opportunity to broaden its scope to say more about adult learning which is especially worrying as it seeks to influence the forthcoming post-16 White Paper.

We fear that too will fail the thousands of adults who need to learn outside of formal education and work settings.”

“In a passing reference, the Committee notes that adult education must remain “a vital tool for social inclusion [and] personal fulfilment". Yet none of the Committee's recommendations backs this up. Leaving the interests of adult learners relegated to the sidelines of mainstream skills policy once again.

At the WEA we see lives transformed by adult learning. People who have been let down by the education system getting a second chance to learn on their own terms. This leads not only to work and further study but to improvements in health & wellbeing and closer connections to the wider community.”

We urgently need to see:

A further inquiry from the Select Committee specifically into lifelong learning in all its aspects, including Tailored Learning
A wider, more inclusive view for the post-16 White Paper. One that sets the scene for a full cross-departmental Lifelong Learning Strategy encompassing health & wellbeing and community building as well as work outcomes.
Close working between DWP, DfE and the devolved strategic authorities to ensure a coherent offer to all potential adult learners. Lifelong learning cannot be allowed to fall through departmental gaps or become a postcode lottery”
Simon Parkinson
WEA General Secretary & CEO

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 16d

Today is the autumn equinox: when the Earth's axis lies perpendicular to the Sun, making day and night nearly equal in length. In other words, autumn is officially here! Find a course this autumn on our website, including our new WEA Learn programme: www.wea.org.uk

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 19d

Read our response to @patmcfaddenmp.bsky.social writing in @feweek.bsky.social about adult skills moving to DWP. The WEA welcomes a more integrated approach, but fear many adult learners will still lose out Full response and a link to the FE Week in our bio. bit.ly/4msr8F4

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 19d

In 1903, Albert and Frances Mansbridge founded the WEA with a commitment to making education inclusive for all (an ethos we still follow today).

Today, on her birthday 🎂, we take a look into the life of Frances Mansbridge.

Read all about her here ➡️ thewea.info/francesmansb...

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