Healthy Communities Learning Programme

Westminster Adult Education Service (WAES), in partnership with the bi‑borough Public Health team shared by Westminster City Council and the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, is delivering a programme of free health and wellbeing courses designed exclusively for local residents. These short, supportive courses give local people the chance to build confidence, improve their understanding of key health topics and take practical steps to enhance their wellbeing.

The programme includes two open‑access courses. The Menopause and Perimenopause Awareness course offers a clear and empowering introduction to what menopause and perimenopause involve, combining up‑to‑date research with practical strategies across topics such as hormonal changes, physical health, psychological wellbeing and lifestyle approaches. It is delivered face‑to‑face by an experienced menopause and health coach and requires no previous knowledge.

The Introduction to Mental Health First Aid course provides a practical, beginner‑level understanding of mental health, helping participants recognise early signs of distress and feel more confident in offering supportive, compassionate responses. Delivered over two half‑day sessions by a qualified mental health practitioner, the course blends current knowledge with real‑world application through discussion, role‑play and guided reflection.

Alongside these public courses for residents, WAES is also supporting the delivery of referral‑only Health Coaching workshops for voluntary and community sector organisations working with local residents. These specialist sessions focus on strengthening community‑based wellbeing conversations but will not be open for direct public enrolment. If you think you may be eligible for referral, please email communitylearning@waes.ac.uk

Together, these courses form a key part of Westminster’s wider Public Health initiative—supporting the ambitions of the bi‑borough Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2023–2033 by helping to reduce health inequalities and giving residents and community practitioners the knowledge, confidence and tools to lead healthier lives across both boroughs.