Authors of their own success: LAL and Lancashire Libraries celebrate Highly Commended national accolade

Lancashire Adult Learning and Lancashire Libraries are celebrating after their unique partnership gained a Highly Commended accolade in the national Festival of Learning Awards 2020.

The awards, which are led by the Learning and Work Institute and announced during Lifelong Learning Week, recognised the partnership for its delivery of adult community learning and skills in 55 libraries across Lancashire County Council’s 12 districts.

Prior to disruption caused by the pandemic, Lancashire Adult Learning in the 2018-19 academic year supported 2,750 learners in libraries across the Red Rose County with almost 550 courses in total.

This was achieved through a wide range of provision, including Health and Wellbeing, Arts Humanities and Languages, Employability, Family Learning, Digital Skills and Maths, English and ESOL qualifications.

As well as supporting strategic objectives such as Lancashire County Council’s ‘Digital Inclusion’ and ‘Starting Well, Living Well and Ageing Well’ agendas, the partnership enables the delivery of outstanding adult community learning to raise aspirations, realise ambitions and transform lives.

Nicola Hall, Head of Curriculum and Strategic Partnerships at Lancashire Adult Learning said: “Through our partnership with Lancashire Libraries, we aim to reach as many people as possible who require support in an informal learning environment, at the heart of the community, where they feel comfortable learning – and I am delighted that this has been recognised.

“Learners who attend our sessions at libraries have a variety of different motivations for coming back into learning; to get back into work, to improve their wellbeing, or to develop a hobby or learn a new skill. Importantly, whatever that motivation is, the partnership with Lancashire Libraries enables LAL to support this.”

Julie Bell, Head of Libraries, Museums, Culture and Archives for Lancashire County Council said: “We are proud of our much-valued partnership with Lancashire Adult Learning, and I’m thrilled it has received national recognition as the courses offered through it can be truly life-changing for our customers who gain a platform for progression in life.

“Communities across Lancashire really do benefit from its innovation too, as labour market information gives us the flexibility to select the courses from a broad curriculum offer to meet local need. By tailoring the provision locally, it ensures that courses are relevant to our customers, resulting in strong learner engagement.

“The exciting thing is that the partnership is still in its infancy, and I look forward to its growth and future development.”

During the pandemic, Lancashire Adult Learning has switched its delivery online, and a new range of free, flexible courses for adult learners has been launched this November, designed with the current climate in mind.

Adult learners who are seeking to enhance their employment prospects, support their family, improve their health and wellbeing, or simply develop a hobby, can do so from the comfort of their own home.

Further information about all of the new range of courses for adults this November can be found on Lancashire Adult Learning’s website at www.lal.ac.uk.

Enrolment can also be completed on the website, or by calling 0333 003 1717.