ACL Essex is challenging the people of Essex to develop their essential skills, take up a new hobby, or boost their wellbeing with the launch of their summer courses.

Crafters can sign-up to free hour-long online sessions to learn a new skill or develop their hobby. Courses range from ‘Knitting for Leisure’ and ‘Phone Photography’ to ‘How to make a Hanging Macrame Plant Holder’ and ‘Painting Your Garden’. To discover the full range of 60-minute courses, visit https://aclessex.com/learn-at-your-leisure/.

ACL Essex’s range of free flexible learning Level 2 and 3 qualifications can help people step on the career ladder or move into new roles. Learners can choose from business, management and employability, digital, early years, education, health, media, care and environmental studies. The courses range from 12-weeks to 12 months and provide a real boost for those looking to boost their career prospects. To sign up, https://aclessex.com/flexible-learning/.

The adult learning provider has also created a suite of courses to develop digital, maths, CV writing, language and wellbeing skills. Starting between July and August learners can increase their language and communication skills with courses in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), plus bitesize Greek and Makaton.

Multiply maths courses are also on offer to help learners become confident with numbers, plus the digital team can upskill adults in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and databases. Free mental health and wellbeing courses for recovery and personal development are also on offer to build resilience and manage anxiety.

ACL Essex’s Family Learning team will also be running a series of workshops to support all through the summer holidays. Courses range from arts and crafts to first aid as well as support with wellbeing and maths.

Lisa Jarentowski, ACL Essex Principal, said, “Our doors don’t close over the summer. In fact, it’s much the opposite, and this summer, we’re encouraging residents to pursue a passion, find a new hobby or develop existing skills. We offer a range of courses, from arts and crafts to health and wellbeing sessions. Plus, we offer learners the chance to take a course at their own pace, fitting around their life. There’s something for everyone, we’d encourage everyone to take a look at the courses on offer and sign-up to do something new this summer.”

ACL Essex’s summer courses begin in July and run into August. The courses are either free, funded or low-cost. ACL Essex’s *Skills hubs are open throughout the summer to help learners with digital skills and facilitated learning.

For more information about ACL Essex’s summer courses, visit www.aclessex.com.