The WEA

@weaadulted

A national educational charity with a mission to bring lifelong learning within reach of everyone who needs it, fighting inequality and promoting social justice.

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The WEA@weaadulted· 6d

Maths anxiety isn't just 'disliking numbers'. It's a real fear that causes stress and affects one in three adults in the UK. Fear of maths has nothing to do with your intelligence, which means anyone can overcome it. Learn more: www.wea.org.uk/labs/submit #WEALabs

It can trigger
pain and fear responses 1 in 5 UK adults (20%) report feeling physically sick when faced with maths

Over a third (36%) of all UK adults live with it Because of this, 29% of adults actively avoid tasks involving numbers altogether

Avoiding numbers can have financial consequences 35% of jobseekers say they put
off applying for a role if a job description mentions numbers

The WEA@weaadulted· 10d

Understanding tech is no longer optional: it’s an essential skill for independence. This guest blog from Age UK shows how digital inclusion is transforming lives: www.wea.org.uk/news-views/b... #WEALabs

The WEA@weaadulted· 12d

From maths in the supermarket to holiday budgeting, summer often highlights gaps in our own essential skills. Millions of UK adults struggle with basic English, maths, or digital skills. A national lifelong learning strategy can fix this. www.wea.org.uk/labs/submit #WEALabs

The WEA@weaadulted· 13d

What does diversifying the curriculum really mean for lifelong learning? Catch-up with WEA CEO Simon Parkinson and Anwar Akhtar of Samosa Media as they unpack the opportunities and challenges facing educators today in our free to view member lecture. www.wea.org.uk/news-views/b...

The WEA@weaadulted· 24d

In 1939, George Orwell contributed to our Highway magazine, sharing his reflections on conflict, heartbreak, and hope. Scroll through the images to learn more. You can read Orwell's full Highway article on our website here: www.wea.org.uk/news-views/b... #WEALabs

Did you know George Orwell once wrote for the WEA?

W.E. Williams, editor of WEA’s Highway magazine, was producing a special edition called ‘Democracy At Work’ and wrote to Orwell asking him to contribute.

WEA members were familiar with Orwell’s popular texts of the time such as The Road to Wigan Pier and Down and Out in London and Paris.

Orwell contributed an article called ‘Caesarean Section in Spain’ on the Spanish Civil War which was published March 1939.

Having been wounded in the conflict, his words were a mix of heartbreak and hope for the people of Spain.

In his book 1984, George Orwell showed how manufactured hatred and fake news can control people.

His work teaches to question what we read.

It is the toolkit for media literacy, proving that truth is the best defence against division.

The WEA@weaadulted· Jul 6

We recently hosted a webinar as part of our Lifelong Learning Labs campaign, debating why lifelong learning is being sidelined, and how we bring it back. Watch the recording on our blog: buff.ly/kHuGvkO #WEALabs

The WEA@weaadulted· Jun 30

Its you 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 to join our webinar: Lifelong learning – shaping the future by learning from history. Don't miss out: secure your place now: www.wea.org.uk/events/futur... #WEALabs

The WEA@weaadulted· Jun 25

Public events, talks and lectures have been part of the WEA story for generations. With our new Purpose to Pen series, we’re building on that legacy in a fresh way. Learn more: www.eventbrite.com/cc/purpose-t...

The WEA@weaadulted· Jun 18

"𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐝𝐨." In this blog, WEA Tutor Team Leader Jenny Blackwell takes us through her recent experiences at an ESOL enrolment event. Read more: www.wea.org.uk/news-views/b... #WEALabs

“One of the most rewarding moments was watching learners leave the venue smiling, excited, and far more confident than when they first arrived.

That shift from nervousness to optimism reminded me of the real impact ESOL courses have.”

The WEA@weaadulted· Jun 16

Its just two weeks until our free webinar: Lifelong learning – shaping the future by learning from history. Learn more and secure your place: www.wea.org.uk/events/futur... #WEALabs

The WEA@weaadulted· Jun 8

40+ nationalities. Countless powerful stories. One vibrant community. Live in or around Bristol? Join the WEA Community Learning Hub in St Pauls for an open day on 10th June celebrating the incredible courage and resilience of our ESOL learners. www.wea.org.uk/events/cultu... #WEALabs

The WEA@weaadulted· May 25

Everyone deserves to feel respected and safe in the workplace. 🔬 What does proper workplace support look like to you? Share your thoughts in our May Labs. Because adults deserve better. www.wea.org.uk/labs #WEALabs

The WEA@weaadulted· May 17

At a time when division feels loud, we’re spotlighting kindness. 💚 We are a partner of A Million Acts of Hope, a national movement celebrating the everyday care and connection that holds our communities together. Learn more: millionactsofhope.org #MillionActsOfHope

The WEA@weaadulted· May 15

Learning is often seen as a route into work. But here’s what happens when it supports people already in it. Have your say in the Labs: www.wea.org.uk/labs/submit #WEALabs

Flexible learning improves workplaces: here's the proof

We teamed up with a leading supplier of fresh produce to launch an initiative that’s transforming lives both in and outside the workplace.

Around 70 of their shift workers now take part in face‑to‑face ESOL sessions tailored to fit smoothly around their shift patterns.

Here’s what they said:

“The programme has improved communication, confidence, and integration, enabling operatives to engage with managers and reducing production and training time by half, which supports retention.”

“Beyond language skills, the initiative fosters cultural cohesion and celebrates diversity, helping staff integrate into British culture.”

The WEA@weaadulted· May 10

𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐬 🪞 Throughout April we've been exploring how lifelong learning is the glue that holds our communities together. But what did we learn? Scroll the images for our reflections. Visit www.wea.org.uk/labs #WEALabs

“Learning or volunteering in your community changes your viewpoint of who you are.”

This is just one insight from our second Lifelong Learning Labs roundtable.

While there is much evidence regarding the social impact of learning, it’s often ignored in policy focused on employment.

This raised some important questions:

Should a national lifelong learning strategy address loneliness?

How do we protect our third spaces?

Is volunteering a form of learning?

The message was clear:

We must reclaim the social aspect of social learning.

The WEA@weaadulted· May 4

Don't let the long weekend slip away without making your voice heard! 🧪 Why not spend a few minutes of your Early May bank holiday helping us shape the future of lifelong learning? Have your say at via our survey at www.wea.org.uk/labs/submit #WEALabs

The WEA@weaadulted· May 3

Standing up for good work ✊️ 100 years ago today, the 1926 General Strike begun. It redefined the fight for fair pay and collective power. Is there enough support for people in low paid or insecure work in the UK? Have your say: www.wea.org.uk/labs #WEALabs

The WEA@weaadulted· Apr 29

Our Chair of Trustees, John Widdowson has come to the end of his tenure and will be stepping down from the role in July 2026. Current Vice Chair, Geoff Layer has been appointed as the new Chair and will begin his appointment in August 2026. Read more: www.wea.org.uk/news-views/n...

The WEA@weaadulted· Apr 23

Happy #WorldBookNight! Did you know 1 in 3 adults in England don’t regularly read for pleasure, rising to 1 in 2 of young people? World Book Night unites adults across the UK with reading. They are encouraging everyone to join in the #ReadingHour from 7-8pm tonight. #GoAllIn

The WEA@weaadulted· Apr 20

🌳 Learning helps you grow and branch out🌱 From growing confidence to reducing isolation, the roots of community learning go deeper than you think. How has community learning positively impacted your life? Have your say: thewea.info/3NTpl0K #WEALabs

The WEA@weaadulted· Apr 19

𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞? Join us as a WEA Story Club volunteer! Help us build an inclusive community where members connect through literature. Apply now: www.wea.org.uk/volunteering #Volunteering #GoAllIn

The WEA@weaadulted· Apr 17

𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 🗳️ English local, Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd elections are taking place on Thursday 7 May. Check out our images for a quick how-to guide on the upcoming elections.

When are the elections?
Thursday 7 May 2026

What is happening?
English council elections,
English mayoral elections,
Scottish Parliament elections,
and Welsh Senedd elections all take place on this day.

Do I have to be registered to vote?

Yes! The deadline for registering to vote is Monday 20 April.

For postal votes, or proxy votes (someone voting for you) the deadline is Tuesday 21 April.

Details on how to register, or check if you are already registered, can be found at
gov.uk/register-to-vote

How do I vote in the May elections?

Either in person at your local polling station on election day, by postal vote or by nominating someone to vote on your behalf.

You must be 18 to vote in local elections in England, or 16 to vote in Scottish Parliament elections.

Do I need ID to vote?

If you’re voting in person in England, you will need to bring valid photo ID with you. (ID is not needed in Scotland or Wales)

No ID? You can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate:

gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate

The WEA@weaadulted· Apr 15

When you think of your experiences of learning, you might remember sitting at a desk in a quiet classroom. But lifelong learning is different. It isn’t just about what you’re learning, but the people you’re learning with too. Visit our blog: thewea.info/3Oggo1o #WEALabs

The WEA@weaadulted· Mar 26

"𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝐮𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥? 𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞." This Social Prescribing Day, Monica Boulton of the National Academy for Social Prescribing explores the links between social prescribing & lifelong learning. #WEALabs #SocialPrescribingDay thewea.info/4dJZPW2

Two ladies sitting at a table waving at the camera.

The WEA@weaadulted· Mar 19

One down, five to go! 🧪 Our CEO, Simon Parkinson, shares his reflections on Tuesday's first Lifelong Learning Labs roundtable. Thanks to everyone who attended for sharing your thoughts and recommendations with us. Have your say: bit.ly/41aucxo #WEALabs

The WEA@weaadulted· Mar 9

🧠✨Learning doesn’t just sharpen your skills, it strengthens your mind 🧠✨ The health benefits of lifelong learning are a vital part of our #WEALabs research. How has lifelong learning positively impacted your wellbeing? Have your say: thewea.info/4dcWFK5

The WEA@weaadulted· Feb 24

The Lifelong Learning Labs are here and we’re inviting you in. They’re a national experiment exploring what learning unlocks for adults at work, at home and in our communities. Because adults deserve better. Have your say: thewea.info/4axvRCH #WEALabs

The WEA@weaadulted· Feb 10

Today is Safer Internet Day, and we’re helping you stay one step ahead of the scrolls. Join our popular Social Media Disinformation course to learn how to spot "fake news," verify sources, and outsmart the algorithms: thewea.info/_disinformat... #SaferInternetDay #DigitalSkills

The WEA@weaadulted· Feb 6

Government plans to link volunteering with immigration status have raised concerns across the charity sector. We’re adding our voice to that of @ncvo.bsky.social, who are calling for a different approach. Learn more: thewea.info/45PRNGr

The WEA@weaadulted· Feb 2

We all seek activities that help us relax, reduce stress, and improve our mental health on a budget, yet we often struggle to find them. If you're unsure where to start, here are some ideas for creative hobbies you can easily start or pick up again.