HARLOW residents interested in starting or growing their careers in health and social care can sign up for free courses.

Residents can also gain qualifications through The Nightingale Care Bursary.

The bursary offers free and accessible training. Since January 2023, all Adult Community Learning (ACL) health and social care courses have been included in the bursary. This has meant anyone can take part, from beginners to those already working in the sector.

Since April 2025, thanks to the Nightingale Care Bursary, 80 learners have been fully or partly funded for 92 courses. This has removed cost as a barrier and has opened the door to new career opportunities.

One of the learners to benefit from the bursary is Necitas. Necitas has used the bursary to complete the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management in Adult Care.

The course helped her grow in confidence and supported her in securing a deputy manager role for a charity supporting adults with neurological needs. She now plans to continue advancing in the sector, driven by her love for learning and helping others.

She said: “I am planning to progress with further knowledge which I am gaining through my course, and on completion will continue to look for learning opportunities, including further training with ACL and the other courses they offer.

“To anyone thinking about working in health and social care, I would strongly recommend it to those who in their hearts enjoy looking after others. It is a very rewarding and fulfilling sector to be working in because of the care you express to others.”

Daniel also found his path through the bursary while completing the Adult Care Level 3 Diploma. After caring for a family member with mental health needs, he wanted to make a real difference in the lives of others.

Daniel’s long‑term goal is to continue progressing and eventually become a social worker.

Daniel said: “I would say to anyone thinking about starting a career in health and social care to just give it a try. You don’t know how much your contribution will bring to someone else who is in care.”

Speaking about the impact of the bursary, Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration said: “The Nightingale Care Bursary is opening up opportunities for people right across Essex.

“It helps residents build confidence, gain valuable qualifications and start rewarding careers in care. Stories like Necitas’ and Daniel’s show just how powerful this support can be for individuals and for our communities.”

Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability said: “Adult Community Learning plays a vital role in giving residents the skills and confidence they need to thrive. By bringing all ACL health and social care courses into the Nightingale Care Bursary, we’re removing barriers and ensuring learning is genuinely accessible for everyone.

“We’re proud to see learners like Necitas and Daniel using these opportunities to transform their futures and make a real difference in their communities. This is exactly what lifelong learning should achieve.”

The Nightingale Care Bursary is part of the council’s commitment to strengthening the local care workforce and making training accessible for all.

It supports people who are new to care, those returning to work, and those who want to step into more senior roles. Employers can also use the bursary to upskill their teams.

Explore the full range of fully funded courses available with ACL Essex Home – ACL Essex