Mind the Gap
GILL GOLDENBERG talks to Ashley Chapman, Marketing Manager at East Sussex College, about the Community Courses on offer at the Hastings site at Station Plaza
For many adults, learning in any formal context ends when they finish full-time education at whatever level. However, there are a wealth of opportunities at the Hastings campus; embarking on a short course may well set you on a different path or in a direction which could have life-changing effects.
Community courses are designed to offer a range of enjoyable learning experiences which support personal development. Many of these are in the creative field – like writing, painting and drawing – but others focus on food and cooking, well-being and parenting. They usually involve one session a week over 4-6 weeks.
There’s a strong understanding of how participation in these courses is good for mental health in so many ways: by connecting with other people, by practicing mindfulness, by improving self-confidence, by learning new skills. Strong support is given for people who are disabled, are on low incomes or have financial difficulties – some of them are free. The courses really are a community-driven initiative, intended to benefit everyone living in Hastings. To have these opportunities on our doorstep is something to celebrate!
Ashley tells me that Community Courses have been offered at Hastings campus for the past four years. This academic year, there are some 150 options on offer in Hastings, some on site and some working in partnership with organisations in the community, such as Southdown Wellbeing Centres and STAR.
For the past two years, community learning courses have been funded through the Tailored Learning fund, which has as its core principles: “To engage and build confidence, to prepare for further learning, to help prepare for employment, to improve essential skills, to equip parents to support children’s learning, to support individuals’ health and well-being, and to develop stronger communities.”
“Our English for Speakers of Other Languages courses can be a lifeline for adults who are not yet fluent in English and want to improve their skills for work, study or for everyday life. In our diverse communities across Hastings, Eastbourne and Lewes, these courses help people settle, connect and contribute fully to local life,” Ashley explained. “Many have started at entry level and worked their way up to degree courses at some of the top universities in the country.”
Programmes have benefitted people in different ways:
“I studied ESOL evening classes for two years. After ESOL, I enrolled on GCSE English and maths, which I completed along with Access to HE (Higher Education). It was a lot of hard work, but it was worth every moment. I’m currently studying Adult Nursing at the University of Brighton. My plan is to follow my dream career of being a nurse and make a positive change in other people’s lives.”
Maria (from Romania)
“The course was amazing and taught me new skills for relaxing and de-stressing. Danny is very talented and passionate about what she teaches, and I’m really happy to have learned so much from her to use in my health and wellbeing.”
Theresa (Made by Meditation course)
“This course has helped me immeasurably. I felt welcomed into a safe environment where I have learnt new skills and met wonderful people, which has in turn helped my mental health.”
[No Name] (Slow Stitching course)
Over 2,100 individuals signed up across the three campuses last year. So, what are you waiting for? If you haven’t got a prospectus detailing what’s on offer, you can follow this link or drop into the college to find out more.
adult.escg.ac.uk/adult-courses/community-and-engagement/adult-community-learning/
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