Adult Learners' Week 2013

Hackney’s Adult Learners' Week is set to prove it’s never too late to learn something new, as hundreds of places on free taster courses up for grabs.

The packed programme of events includes everything from baking, circus arts, local history and healthy cookery to public speaking, floristry, first aid and sign language.

Those wanting to boost their tech skills can sign up to an introduction to the internet, email, smartphones and iPads or find out how to design a website and how to use Adobe Photoshop. Parents can also find out how to keep themselves and their children safe online.

The free taster sessions are run by education and learning providers in Hackney at venues across the borough, brought together by the council’s Adult Learning Services.

Dionne Thomas, 35, took part in last year's Adult Learners' Week. She said: "Adult Learners' Week is a fantastic opportunity to be creative. By enrolling on the henna workshop I learnt new ways of designing my own patterns building on my existing art skills.

"I hope to set up my own business in the future working with young people helping them to explore ways of being creative and Adult Learners’ Week helped to give me so many new ideas. I made new friends and it was a great networking opportunity. I recommend it to every adult in Hackney."

The week will kick off with a launch event on 14 June from 11.30am – 3.30pm outside Hackney Learning Trust, 1 Reading Lane. It will include live music, circus acts, a steel pan performance and African dancing. Staff will be available to offer advice and give information about courses available.

Find out more about adult learning, the taster courses available, and how to book a place, at: www.learningtrust.co.uk/adult_learning