An active, healthy mind is an important asset in later life.

Older people continue to need fresh opportunities to learn new skills, that can enable them to take on new roles and responsibilities, and to continue with their personal development

Although the reasons for learning can vary widely, generally speaking, learning needs in later life fall into two main areas.

Whatever your motivation for learning, ESF will help you identify the resources that will assist you in your quest for knowledge.

Links and Downloads

Visit the Open University website

Visit the University of the Third Age website


Visit the Workers Educational Association website

Learning in Later Life

8th May 2010

Silver Surfers Day

The UK Online Centre at 90a Tideswell Road (just behind Cavendish Bakery) will be holding a 'Silver Surfers Day' on Friday 21st May. This is a free event.

There will be lots of interesting things to do online and good support for everyone from our patient staff. Freebies for everyone, and a good entertaining worthwhile visit can be assured.

The centre is open 10:00am to 3:00pm and visitors can stay as long or short as they like.

For more information call: 01323-431770

6th November 2009

Free Training for Over Fifties

Shared Stage is offering free training for over fifties and courses are due to start in November 2009.

Each course consists of 5 or 9 sessions. Venue addresses will be confirmed to participants at the time of booking.

Notes:

Further courses will be confirmed for the New Year in the next week or so. These are:

More information > >

8th August 2009

New Course Guide out now!

The autumn and winter adult course guide from Sussex Downs College has just come out and contains a rang of courses for people who want to gain further qualifications or pursue a new interest.

Why not have a go?

The guide is available from college campuses in Eastbourne, Lewes, Hailsham and Newhaven and local libraries. You can also download a copy. Visit the Sussex Downs website www.sussexdowns.ac.uk or call 0854-260-1608 for more information.

6th May 2009

Why not have a go?

Free Taster Sessions during Adult Learners' Week - Sussex Downs College - Hailsham
 
Free taster sessions will be held at Prospects House for; emergency first aid, hand and nail care, creative card making, Indian head massage, personal development, maths, Mah Jong, hair and skin care, spelling, being green, belly dancing and an introduction to the internet and email.
 
Dates are from Tuesday May 12th to Friday May 15th.
 
For details and bookings phone 01323 446400 or visit the website www.sussexdowns.ac.uk

Cuts in adult education

A recent article published by the Press Association shows a disturbing drop in the number of people studying on adult education courses.

The response to a parliamentary question showed that the Learning and Skills Council had funded 1.3 million fewer places in 2006/7 than in 2003/4.  Although numbers have declined nationally, the South East has suffered the greatest reduction, 233,100 places; the North East has fared best with a reduction of just 79,900 places.

Read complete article >>

New Leisure and Short Courses at Sussex Downs College.

A new guide to courses at Sussex Downs College, covering Eastbourne, Hailsham, Lewes and Newhaven is now available.

Read complete article >>

Older people struggle to learn new tricks, new research shows

Older people are being robbed of the chance to play an active part in society because they can’t access new skills through adult education according to leading older people’s charity Help the Aged.

Read complete article >>

On-line Learning - Learn Direct – Fifty Forward

Learn Direct has just launched a new website - fifty forward aimed at the over fifties :

A Forum Member’s success with Learn Direct

ESF member Joan Sumner has been studying locally with Learn Direct and recently passed her English and Maths GCSEs. Congratulations Joan!

Here’s what Joan had to say about Learn Direct.

Read complete article >>

Older People's Engagement Day

Representatives from the Eastbourne Seniors Forum recently attended an “Older Peoples Engagement Day”.

Read complete article >>

Over fifties are doing it for themselves!

As we discovered during the recent ‘Older Peoples’ Engagement Day’ restrictions on Government funding for adult recreational courses, increased funding on adult education to equip people for employment and the age limits for educational grants and student loans have put formal learning out of the reach of many over 50s on low and fixed incomes.

Read complete article >>

You’re Never Too Old To Learn

Brian May, guitarist with the rock group Queen, has been awarded an honorary fellowship by Liverpool John Moores University in recognition for his contribution to astronomy and services to the understanding of science.

Read complete article >>