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Courses

Community Learning

WAES prides itself on working closely with community partners in a responsive and proactive way to ensure the needs of local learners are met 

Much of our work takes place in local schools, libraries, children’s centres, community organisations and third sector service providers. We work with more than 80 such organisations in Westminster and across London. We deliver a substantial community-focused programme open to all and the personal progression, learning and success of our learners is important to us at every stage of their development. 

Whatever your circumstances, we provide you with opportunities to learn and develop at your own pace, backed up by our support every step of the way. Our community courses have been carefully prepared to reflect the needs of those looking to learn something new, build an interest, fill skills gaps, or those considering voluntary work or moving into employment. 

Build up your confidence, enjoy learning something new, meet new people and develop your potential. The possibilities are endless – all we need is you! 

Our courses are mostly FREE or at very low cost. 

Community Learning Courses

Here are the four types of Community Learning courses and workshops that we offer.

We also deliver Community Learning via partners and work with other organisations on particular projects.

Community Projects

WAES has a range of projects, where we support the community.

Community Partners

As well as our direct community learning delivery, we fund several partners every year.

Community Learning Courses
Communication Skills and Diversity Training Day
LOW AVAILABILITY
Next Start Date: 12/03/2026
Other Dates Available: 1

This Community training session supports volunteers and anyone who wants to strengthen their communication skills in a super diverse city like London. The course introduces practical tools for active and adaptive listening, helping you communicate with clarity, empathy and flexibility. You will also explore intercultural communication, learning simple and effective ways to connect with people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, including speakers of English as a Second Language (ESOL).

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Menopause and Perimenopause Awareness
Next Start Date: 24/03/2026
Other Dates Available: 1

This Community course offers a clear, supportive and empowering introduction to menopause and perimenopause. It is designed to help adults understand the physical, emotional and lifestyle changes that can arise during this stage of life. Delivered by a highly experienced, professionally accredited health and menopause coach, the course brings together up to date research, practical tools and compassionate guidance.

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Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Next Start Date: 26/03/2026
Other Dates Available: 1

This Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course is offered by WAES Community Learning and provides a clear, practical introduction to understanding mental health and supporting others in times of distress. Delivered face to face over two half day sessions, the programme helps adults recognise early signs of mental health difficulties and respond in a calm, informed and compassionate way. Led by a highly qualified and experienced mental health practitioner, the course blends current knowledge, real world practice and sensitive guidance.

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Art for Wellbeing
Day(s): Wednesday
Time: 14:30 - 17:00
Weeks: 6
Start Date: 15/04/2026
Venue: Offsite
Full Fee: £38
Level: Mixed
Concessions: Yes

Art for Wellbeing is a gentle, creative Community course that supports relaxation, confidence and self expression through accessible art activities. It offers a calm, welcoming space where you can explore colour, texture and simple artistic techniques while enjoying the wellbeing benefits of slowing down and focusing on the creative process. The course encourages participants to take time for themselves, reduce stress and use creative expression as a tool for personal wellbeing.

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Watercolour for Wellbeing
ONLINE COURSE
Day(s): Monday
Time: 10:00 - 12:30
Weeks: 8
Start Date: 20/04/2026
Venue: Online
Full Fee: £40
Level: Mixed
Concessions: No

Led by our popular tutor, you will learn the fundamentals of watercolour painting and drawing in this online course. You will be required to purchase materials to participate in the course.

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Community Knit and Stitch
Day(s): Tuesday
Time: 10:30 - 12:30
Weeks: 7
Start Date: 21/04/2026
Venue: Grand Junction
Full Fee: £44
Level: Mixed
Concessions: Yes

Community Knit and Stitch is a friendly and creative Community Course that introduces learners to a range of simple textile skills in a relaxed group setting. It offers an opportunity to explore knitting, crochet and hand sewing while enjoying the social and wellbeing benefits of making together. The course focuses on creativity, confidence building and the pleasure of completing small handmade projects at your own pace.

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Communication Skills - Improve your Pronunciation Taster
Day(s): Wednesday
Time: 15:00 - 17:00
Weeks: 1
Start Date: 22/04/2026
Venue: Lisson Grove Centre
Full Fee: Free
Level: Level 1
Concessions: No

Free English Pronunciation Taster Session. Ever struggled with English pronunciation? Join our free taster session and learn some valuable tips and techniques to improve your speaking.

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History of Art
Day(s): Friday
Time: 13:00 - 15:00
Weeks: 10
Start Date: 24/04/2026
Venue: Pimlico Centre
Full Fee: £20
Level: Mixed
Concessions: No

History of Art for all. An exciting new course for the Pimlico Centre introduces you to the history of art. Artist and lecturer John Timberlake will explain what to look for when viewing art and will help you experience art at a deeper and more enriching level.

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Cook around the World
LOW AVAILABILITY
Day(s): Thursday
Time: 15:30 - 18:00
Weeks: 3
Start Date: 30/04/2026
Venue: Lisson Grove Centre
Full Fee: £19
Level: Mixed
Concessions: Yes

In this four week course, learn how to cook delicious world cuisine in next-to-no time.

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French for Improvers
LOW AVAILABILITY
Day(s): Tuesday
Time: 17:30 - 19:30
Weeks: 6
Start Date: 12/05/2026
Venue: Lisson Grove Centre
Full Fee: £60
Level: Entry Level 2
Concessions: No

This improver course is perfect for those who've already mastered the basics. You'll build on your conversational skills, delve deeper into French grammar, and immerse yourself in French culture. You'll refine your pronunciation and learn to engage in more complex conversations while understanding a wider range of texts.

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Healthy Eating on a Budget
Day(s): Thursday
Time: 15:30 - 18:00
Weeks: 1
Start Date: 04/06/2026
Venue: Lisson Grove Centre
Full Fee: £6
Level: Mixed
Concessions: Yes

This is a free in-person cooking course. Learn to cook healthy and balanced meals on a budget, saving money by using ingredients that don't cost the earth. Led by our experienced cookery tutor at Lisson Grove, you will be cooking and taking home delicious British and international dishes.

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Gain Confidence in English
Venue: Various
Full Fee: Free
Level: Mixed
Level: Mixed
Concessions: Yes

Gain Confidence in English is a welcoming Community ESOL course for adults who want to improve their English for everyday life and work. Whether you are new to English or already know a little, the course helps you build confidence step by step. Classes run from Pre-Entry to Entry 3 and provide a supportive space to practise speaking, listening, reading and writing with others in your local community.Lessons focus on real-life situations—such as talking to your child’s school, visiting the doctor, travelling around London or communicating at work—so you can use English in a practical and meaningful way.

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Gain Confidence in Maths
Venue: Various
Full Fee: Free
Level: Mixed
Level: Mixed
Concessions: Yes

Gain Confidence in Maths is a friendly community course designed for adults who want to improve their everyday numeracy skills. Whether you have always found maths difficult or simply want to refresh what you already know, this course helps you build confidence step by step.By strengthening your foundation in maths, you will develop the skills needed to manage real-life situations—from budgeting and understanding bills to comparing prices, planning journeys, or making informed decisions for work or home. Lessons are practical, supportive and easy to follow, using interactive activities, group discussions and real-world examples to make maths feel relevant and achievable.You will have plenty of chances to practise, ask questions, and apply what you learn in a safe and encouraging environment.

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Family Learning
Venue: Various
Full Fee: Free
Level: Mixed
Level: Mixed
Concessions: Yes

Family Learning at WAES offers a wide range of friendly, practical workshops designed to empower parents and carers to support their children’s education and wellbeing. Whether you want to better understand how your child learns, feel more confident helping with homework, strengthen family relationships, or enjoy creative activities together, you’ll find a course that suits your needs.Our workshops cover essential skills such as key maths concepts, English and phonics, digital safety, and understanding how schools teach and assess children. Examples include Everyday English for Parents New to the UK, Read and Spell in English Using Phonics, Developing Mathematical Reasoning in KS2 and Empowering Parents in the Digital Age, Confident Communication.

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Communication Skills - Improve your Pronunciation
Next Start Date: 29/04/2026
Other Dates Available: 1

Want to communicate more effectively and confidently? Accelerate your communication skills with our 4-week 'Improve Your Pronunciation course'. You'll learn to understand the nuances of English pronunciation and fix common pronunciation problems.

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Why study at WAES?
  • Highly qualified and professionally experienced tutors
  • Accessible Central London centres with bespoke facilities and great transport connections
  • A wide range of in-person, online, distance learning and community-based courses
  • Unique work experience opportunities through partnerships
  • Guest speakers offer introductions to career pathways in a variety of sectors
  • Excellent progression to employment, apprenticeships or further learning including university