Information, Advice and Guidance

Introduction:

Since informal adult learning can be an important route into more formal learning, vocational training and employment, many projects incorporated aspects of information, advice and guidance into their project plans. Some offered ongoing guidance and support to help learners develop self-organised learning groups or social enterprises. Others included information sessions on specific themes, such as drug and alcohol issues or mental health.

Information, Advice and Guidance Projects

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Go-Woman Ltd

Go-Woman! Ltd and Adderley Children’s Centre worked in partnership to lead a project engaging women from black and ethnic minority communities in informal adult learning. Learners took part in taster sessions held in the children’s centre, enabling women with childcare responsibilities to participate and helping to remove barriers associated with unfamiliar environments; ESOL support was also provided. Participants were signposted to further accredited and informal learning opportunities, and reading groups were developed. Take-up and attendance exceeded expectations, reflecting the success of this approach.

Hertfordshire Learning Revolution

Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCi)

The project set out to bring voluntary, statutory and private sector organisations across the county together to enhance the informal learning infrastructure. There were two main strands to the project: firstly, partners provided accessible information, advice and guidance about learning opportunities, by publishing ten learning guides and producing ten websites; secondly 12 groups of learners were engaged in reading for pleasure through book clubs using Quick Reads, supported closely by libraries. There was some activity on consulting with learners about their learning needs, and working with smaller organisations by helping them to obtain convenient venues for the learners they were seeking to help.

Get On and Learn! (GOaL!)

London Borough of Wandsworth

Wandsworth Council's partnership project, 'Get On and Learn!' (GOaL!) converted a council bus into a mobile learning centre by equipping it with laptops, software, teaching screens, a printer and other learning resources. The project took informal learning into excluded and deprived communities and; promoted learning as ‘fun’ and highlighted the benefits of learning on health, self esteem, social inclusion and cohesion; stimulated interest in formal learning; promoted local learning providers; widened participation by taking tailored learning to the learners and providing IAG; brought technology to those without; and, enabled access to core services. The project targeted (amongst others) older learners, learners with mental health issues, sight impaired learners and Somali mothers on Battersea housing estates. Third sector partner organisations provided tutors and became a critical component of delivery as the project grew into predominantly pre-booked group-session delivery, which superseded the ‘drop-in’ approach, as originally planned.

Reaching Out

Safer Places

Harlow Women’s Aid led a project to provide training and development opportunities to vulnerable women through informal learning activities. Creative arts and writing workshops encouraged self-expression and helped to build confidence; practical skills sessions, including driving lessons, helped participants gain the confidence to reach their true potential and work towards being independent. The provision of learning in a safe, trustworthy and encouraging environment was crucial for women whose life experiences have left them lacking in self-esteem. Participants reported improved parenting skills as well as life and creative skills, and many accessed progression routes into further learning and work.