Lifelong Learning is changing lives
Michelle Farraday – jewellery business started
Oldham Council’s Lifelong Learning Service is encouraging residents to try something new through free taster sessions.
Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre will be hosting 19 fun classes, workshops and activities on Saturday, June 14 – to mark the start of Adult Learners’ Week.
This free taster day will give you the perfect opportunity to explore your creative side, learn new skills and find out how learning can help you feel good.
There is no need to book in advance and you can come along for the day or just a few sessions.
Most of the sessions are for adults but there are two special activities for you to do with your children. A crèche will be available for younger children.
Oldham Lifelong Learning Service offers hundreds of courses across several venues around the borough.
Councillor Shoab Akhtar, Oldham Council’s Cabinet Member for Employment and Enterprise, said: “Oldham’s Lifelong Learning Service continues its strong commitment to widening access to learning opportunities and reducing the barriers that can sometimes prevent adults from studying and enhancing their prospects.
“A key part of our success is that we regularly consult learners, communities and partners to ensure services are constantly responding to changing local demands whilst also continuously improving what is on offer.
“I would urge residents to take advantage of this free taster session as you can never stop learning.
“These courses also give residents the chance to learn new skills which they could use to gain employment or start their own business, here in the borough.
Please get in touch with Kath Stone on 0161 770 8028 for more information. You can also find more information online at www.oldham.gov.uk/lifelongtaster
Jewellery business started….
Shaw resident Michelle Farraday was one person who set up her own business after being inspired by one of the service’s courses.
She always dreamt of owning her own business but was never quite sure how to go about it.
That was until she attended ‘Jewellery for Beginners’ back in 2011.
Michelle, aged 44, said: “I’ve always been obsessed with jewellery since I was a little girl so it seemed like a great idea to go on a course provided by the Oldham Lifelong Learning Service as a way of tapping into my more creative side.
“As well as acquiring numerous jewellery techniques, I learned about pricing my jewellery, sourcing materials as well as ideas on producing your own handmade packaging.
“I went on to take the intermediate class and a resin jewellery course which helped to build up my jewellery skills. Finally, after receiving lots of compliments about the designs I created, I decided to take the plunge and set up on my own.
“My business is called Meeka-Boo Designs and I design and make handmade bracelets, necklaces and earrings as well as one-off pieces of costume jewellery called ‘Meeka-Boo Originals’.
“If anyone out there has a burning desire to work for themselves then I’d definitely recommend attending one of the lifelong learning courses. It’s a great way of trying out different things without too much expense – seeing what you like and what you’re good at.
“You never know, you may just find yourself a new career.”
Free taster sessions at Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre on Saturday, June 14:
Explore your creative side
| 11am-1pm | JewelleryEnjoy bling – make a glitzy jewellery gift to take home. |
| 11am-1pm | Fabric Crafts‘Sew and Go’ with a great little fabric gift for a friend. |
| 1-3pm | Get CraftyCrafty little ideas for you that will bring out your creativity. |
| 1-3pm | PyrographyThe art of burning into wood to create artwork. |
| 1-3pm | SilhouettesCome out of the dark and make a beautiful portrait as a silhouette. |
Pick up some new skills
| 11am-3pm | Introduction to British Sign LanguageLearn to sign basic greetings. |
| 11am -3pm | Introduction to Digital CamerasLearn how to download and use the pictures you have taken. |
| 11.15am -12.15pm | Introduction to EmailLearn basic email skills including downloading and adding attachments. |
| 12.45pm-1.45pm | Introduction to FacebookSet up and add privacy setting to your account. |
| 11am-3pm | Mad about mathsSum it up or break it down with this mini exploration into the fun side of maths. |
| 11am-3pm | National Careers ServiceLearn more about your options and get help to find the right career for you. |
Feeling good
| 11am-3pm | Explore your fitnessFun and fitness go hand in hand, take those first steps to a fitter you |
| 11.30am-1.30pm | Feel good foodHealthy treats to try and hints and tips on food that have the feel good factor. |
| 12-1pm | Singing for pleasure – The Oldham ChoirStop and listen to the beautiful singing from this wonderful choir. It will bring music to the ears. |
| 11am – 2pm | Heartstart – by Oldham RotaryLearn how to recognise the symptoms of a heart attack and what to do in an emergency situation. |
| 11am-3pm | Health Improvement TeamA healthier you. Oldham’s health improvement team will be coming along to talk about stopping smoking, weight management, Digging for Health and being active. |
| 11am-3pm | ‘Get Oldham Growing’Learn how to sow seeds, grow fruit and veg, and get tips on how to make the most out of small growing spaces. There will also be the chance to take growing goodies home as well. |
Activities for kids
| 11am-3pm | Get craftyKids will have fun getting the glue sticks out and making collages to take home. |
| 11.15am-12.15pm2.30 to 3.30pm | Stories and RhymeEnjoy stories and rhymes with your little ones. |
Location: Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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