Celebrating Lifelong Learning and
National Learning at Work Week 16 to 22 May
Festival of Learning (previously Adult Learners' Week) is England’s largest celebration of lifelong learning. Running for 24 successful years, its mission is to celebrate the benefits of learning and to encourage everyone to embrace lifelong learning.
The main festival takes place in May and June with ‘have a go’ and taster sessions, open days and other learning activities taking place across England. They are the ideal opportunity to discover and try something new.
To coincide with Festival of Learning, National Learning at Work Week is taking place from 16 to 22 May. The corporate and adult social care learning and development teams are offering a variety of opportunities to ‘learn something new.’
Learning and wellbeing
This year we have chosen ‘learning for wellbeing’ as our theme. Evidence shows that, apart from gaining new skills, learning can also improve and maintain our mental wellbeing.
Mental wellbeing means feeling good about ourselves and the world around us. Research shows that learning throughout life is associated with greater satisfaction, optimism and an improved ability to get the most from life.
Learning can boost self-confidence and self-esteem, help build a sense of purpose and help us connect with others. Interacting with other people can increase our wellbeing by helping us build and strengthen social relationships.
People who carry on learning after formal education has ended report a greater ability to cope with stress, more feelings of hope and a sense of purpose. Think about learning in its broadest sense, e.g. trying out a new recipe, visiting a museum, making a model, learning a new craft.
Mental health awareness week and dementia awareness week
These are also taking place in May:
Mental health awareness week from 16 to 22 May. The theme this year is Relationships
Dementia awareness week from 15 to 21 May. The theme this year is Confronting Dementia.
More steps for wellbeing
More information on the five steps to mental wellbeing, which includes learning, can be found on the NHS website www.nhs.uk.
‘Have a go events’ and taster sessions
To find out what’s on offer, have a look at our calendar of ‘have a go’ events and taster sessions
To book a place, complete the Festival of Learning booking form and email it to learningandorganisationaldevelopment@walsall.gov.uk
Remember – learning changes lives!
