Introducing the Stars of our Community Learning Campaign
We know that our Community Learning short courses benefit our learners greatly – we hear about it from them often enough! – so we wanted to share some of their inspiring stories with you to celebrate them and their success!
Jane
By her own admission, Jane is no stranger to SS&L Courses and Workshops! “I started in Watchet learning to use acrylic paints, which was my first time doing any kind of artwork at all. Now I’m learning watercolours at Bishop’s Hull. I’ve been really grateful to have the chance to do these classes.” Jane explained to us the impact being able to attend the courses has had on her wellbeing and mental health. “It gives me the opportunity to get lost in the moment, switch off and be present, which is really important to me.”
This sentiment is echoed by many of Jane’s classmates. “Every week I tell myself I’ll work on my art pieces after work, or at the weekend,” says Alison, “but before I know it, a week has passed and between everything else I have going on, I’ve not managed to make any time for myself at all! I like knowing that I have this time booked to do something just for me.”
Hatice
Currently enrolled on one of our beginner-level English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses, Hatice has improved not only her English skills but also her confidence. She says that watching cartoons and films with subtitles can take you so far, but by being able to practice real-life skills, she’s gained the confidence to speak with strangers while out and about.
ESOL tutor Divina takes care to cover practical skills at beginner level to benefit learners outside of the classroom. Yesica, one of Hatice’s classmates, had difficulty booking appointments without knowing the British way of telling time. So, Divina incorporated this into her next class, teaching the difference between ‘half past eight’ and ‘twenty to two’! With an excited grin, Hatice told us “I was at the bus stop, and someone asked me the time of the next bus. I was able to tell them! Thanks to Divina and this course I was able to help a stranger!”
John
Only recently diagnosed with ADHD, John joined our Neurodivergent Journal course in Frome to learn more about his diagnosis and find support that just wasn’t available for him elsewhere. “Once I got my diagnosis, I was kind of left to it. You can get tips online, but nothing really in-depth or personal. This course has brought together a group of people all in similar situations, and we can sit and talk and learn from each other. We can all laugh together about the daft things we’ve done because of our neurodivergence! There’s a collective understanding you just can’t find anywhere else.”
Classmate Jess was also pleasantly surprised by the new community: “I’ve been on my own social anxiety journey, and I was really anxious joining this group as I’m not diagnosed. But I’ve been so welcomed and supported here and being a part of this group just makes this journey a little less lonely. I never expected to have so many ‘hallelujah’ moments while we’ve been chatting!”
Chloe
Chloe has been attending the Neurodivergent Journal course for several weeks and has appreciated the safe space the course offers. “I’m not someone who gets out very often, so having somewhere to go where I know I’m with like-minded people has made a huge difference for me. I know I don’t have to mask here and can just be myself.” The friendly atmosphere has also enabled Chloe the freedom to express herself. “I consider myself an artist but get stuck on achieving perfection. So to be able to come here and just draw things which don’t have to look perfect and knowing I won’t be judged has been really freeing.”
Tutor Lucy understands the importance of creating a calm gentle space for any neurodivergent or anxious person, and this has been proven in the popularity of her Frome class! Learner Ellie agrees: “This is a calm, safe space where you can engage as much or as little as you want. It’s a scheduled time to dedicate to you, without the pressure of participation. It’s something I really look forward to! Lucy has created something really special.”
If you’d like to build confidence like Hatice, make time for yourself like Jane, or find a supportive community like John and Chloe, why not start your own learning journey this new year?
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