Presentation marks the start of a week of adult learning

A WEEK of activities to mark Adult Learners’ Week led by Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) kicked off with a presentation to eight customers who have gained a nationally accredited retail and customer services qualification.

The customers completed a 12-week National Open College Network (NOCN) Introduction to Retail qualification course, delivered by Lisa Montgomery, from Staffordshire County Council’s Adult and Community Learning department, through SARH’s Community Learning Programme.

Karen Armitage, Chief Executive of Stafford and Rural Homes, presented the customers with their certificates, at Stafford and Rural Homes Community Resource Centre, at Greyfriars, on Monday, May 20.

“The course was all about building people’s personal skills and confidence to succeed in a retail work environment and the customers the feedback we’ve received from customers who took part has been really positive” said Christine Cartwright, Community Involvement Officer for SARH.

A session to boost people’s IT skills and help them search for jobs online also took place at SARH’s Community Resource Centre on Monday.

The Organisational Development Team at SARH ran a personal development course aimed at building people’s confidence and helping them back into work, at Gnosall Fire Station on Tuesday, May 21.

Other activities taking place this week include and a job skills course run in partnership with the National Careers Service, at the Community Resource Centre, from 10am-12pm, on Wednesday, May 22.

SARH’s Community Learning Programme course ‘The Natural Way to look after Yourself’ will offer customers the chance to learn ways to relax the mind and body including massage treatments, meditation and use of essential oils, at Rising Brook Fire Station, from 1pm-4pm, on Thursday May 23.

The week of events will culminate in SARH’s mobile office visiting Market Square in Stafford to offer information on Community Learning Programme opportunities and a range of money management, health and other useful advice.

“We have a range of learning activities planned to help local people get into employment, develop skills they already have or simply to have a go at something new,” said Christine Cartwright.

Adult Learners’ Week (18-24 May) is the UK’s largest annual festival of learning, helping to inspire thousands of people over 19-years-old each year to discover how learning can change their lives.

For more information on SARH’s Adult Learning Week events contact the community involvement team on 0800 111 4554.