Celebrating Adult Learners' Week - inspiring others to have a go

Bollywood dancing and badge making, card making and complementary therapies, henna painting, facials and gardening – just some of the many and varied activities taking place in the Royal Borough during Adult Learners' Week (Saturday May 17 – Friday May 23).

An eye-catching display in the main reception area of the Town Hall will highlight examples of how local people have benefited from embracing new learning opportunities, with information on the courses available at local learning centres in the borough. 

The council will be staging a competition for its own employees, offering a 10-minute holistic shoulder massage for just £1 to lucky winners to raise awareness about the importance of work-life balance.  A Stress Less session will also be available.

Cllr John Story, lead member for adult services, said: "Adult Learners' Week encourages thousands of people, whatever their ages and backgrounds, to give learning a go, whether it's learning for pleasure, catching up on skills missed out on at school or getting that new job or promotion.

It also celebrates the achievements of those adults already learning and brings their inspirational stories to a wider audience.  I am therefore delighted that once again the Royal Borough is supporting the week with a number of exciting events.

"We all learn every day, often without realising it.  Taking the next step and going on a course needn't be like going back to school – just come along to the informal sessions and be inspired."

Adult Learners' Week in the Royal Borough:

Wednesday May 21, 6 – 7.30pm
Free workshop:  Bollywood dance for adults
Learn basic dance steps to Bollywood tunes, with expressions, posture and movement in a relaxed fun filled environment and get fit at the same time.
Venue: Ellington Extended Services Centre

Thursday May 22, 7 – 8.30pm
Free workshop:  Salsa dancing for adults
Increase fitness levels and reduce stress through exercise, by dancing to Salsa music; learn basic salsa steps and complete a short dance routine. 
Venue: Ellington Extended Services Centre

To book for the above workshops, please contact Parwati Mistry on 01628 796584

Friday May 23, 11am – 4pm
Festival of Learning at Ellington Extended Services Centre
The borough is taking part in the UK's largest festival of learning by hosting free craft and beauty demonstrations and taster sessions at the refurbished Extended Services Centre at Ellington Primary School, West Dean entrance off Ray Mill Road West, Maidenhead.
Craft Activities (demonstrations and taster sessions)
Card Making  (11am – 12 noon and 2– 4pm)
Flower arranging (11am –12 noon and 2 – 4pm)

Beauty and complementary therapies
(The following events need to be booked in advance; contact Salma Bibi on 01628 781124)
Indian head massage - experience a five-minute relaxing head massage
Facials (11am –12 noon and 2 – 4 pm) enjoy a free facial
Make up and hair (12 noon – 4pm) bring a friend and learn different hairstyles
Henna (11am – 3pm) practise henna application and be inspired to develop your skills

Activities for children and parents
IT – find useful websites on the internet or make a poster
Face painting – choose from a number of designs
Badge making – make a badge to take away
Book start stall – tips for helping your children develop a love of reading
Gardening – tips for growing vegetables and flowers

Information and confidential advice to help you get back into the workplace or change your career will also be available from the Grow our Own team on the day.

For further information about lifelong learning opportunities in the borough or about Adult Learners' Week, contact Parwati Mistry in the council's lifelong learning team on 01628 796584 or visit the Royal Borough's website at http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/.  More details about Adult Learners' Week can be viewed at http://www.niace.org.uk/alw/2008/public.htm

Information and advice on careers and training are available at the Centre for Developing Connections in Maidenhead Library.  Call 01628 796013 to arrange a confidential appointment.
For free impartial and confidential advice to help you get back into the workplace or change your career contact the Grow our Own team on 01628 685661.