West Midlands

Taking part in a performance - preparation, rehearsal and the applause - all add up to a thrilling learning experience. This project will engage a wide cross section of people from grass roots level in Birmingham. Starting with Taster Sessions and culminating in performances of Verdi's Othello, participants will be partnered by some of the UK's top operatic talent.

The aim of the project will be to engage young people aged 19 - 25 from disadvantaged communities from Inner City Birmingham and Sandwell in a series of Arts and Craft Workshops supplemented by Sports, and complimented by Mentoring. The intention is of getting the target group active, discovering and connecting different learning experiences so that they can help to find what interests them and deepen their passion for learning.

The aim of our project is to:

• Build partnerships and strengthen existing capacity by providing artists with skills and the tools to develop and deliver engaging informal learning clubs
• Opening Up Access to new spaces through high street exhibition facilities for local artists where the general public can ‘drop in and try' various creative and visual art based activities supported by a range of local artists. Creating interest on the high street and a natural advertising medium for informal learning.

‘First Steps - New Opportunities' project will engage women particularly from ‘hard to reach' communities in learning that can be introduced through targeted short taster sessions, developing a vibrant network of women accessing taster courses that can be mentored and supported to access further support, including recognised courses, training, business support and employment.

The Wellies project will provide 36 one day training workshops for those recovering from mental health issues using animals plants and the countryside.
The project aims to promote wellness through informal learning opportunities which are fun, inspiring and build the confidence of participants.

Wellness
Education
Learning
Laughter
Inspiration
Environment
Skills

To use mobile devices for fun, learning and social inclusion for up to 100 learners in order to do something new, useful and enjoyable. The project will build a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) using Moodle MLE and Mahara and train up four "Mobile Mentors" to facilitate blended learning solutions.

A schedule of Learning Road-shows, across the West Midlands, engaging with adult learners of all age groups in local communities and opening up their thirst for learning by creating a sustainable learning routine. "Learnival" will incorporate learning into a fun environment whilst enhancing existing community social and learning networks.

'Boiled Cabbage & Tapioca Pudding' - conjures up vivid memories of 1950s/60s schooldays & learning. Many found it grim & were put off for life. 'Cab & Tap' is a light-hearted & exciting activity based introduction to learning today. Creating new opportunities, stretching imaginations, exploring new worlds - the perfect course for people who 'don't do courses'.

The project will engage with carers and deliver informal learning activities in venues across Staffordshire Carers as a group seldom find time for themselves or take part in fun activities. They will work with Carers Associations in both north and south Staffordshire and build on a previous pilot.

Grow ‘n' Know will offers practical activities where adults can learn about designing and building an allotment or sensory garden, the natural environment or wildlife. Confidence building activities and sessions on digital photography and internet research will compliment the offer for participants' who want to develop their skills further.

BARC provides education and support to people with arthritis and their carers. The aim is to promote self-coping - to deal with the physical and social disabilities caused by their disease.

Evidence shows that "excluded groups" have poorer health and do not access the NHS in the same way as the white middle-class population due to culture, language and poverty barriers.

The project will pilot Our Place learning venues in empty town-centre shops in Taunton and Blackburn. Learners will interrogate the changing identity of their towns to generate a community archive and be inspired to take up other local learning oppportunities.

The projects will generate a "How To" guide, which will support the development of other venues in areas of growth and regeneration.

WEA West Midlands will work with health and social care groups and digital mentors to pilot health education courses using digital based technology for those who experience difficulties in participating in conventional face to face classes. Target groups include those with long term medical conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, and their carers.