Learn how to blog, paint your nails or cook with Adult Learners’ Week

Adult Learners’ Week is the UK’s largest annual festival of learning, helping to inspire thousands of people each year to discover how learning can change their lives. Adult Learners’ Week 2012 will be running from 14^th-18^th May in libraries, colleges and work places across Brent. The workshops are free but advanced booking is essential.

Through events and award ceremonies, Adult Learners’ Week celebrates all learners and helps promote the benefits of all types of learning, whether you want finally to learn how to use your computer properly, or just be able to perfect the art of a great manicure – on yourself or someone else!

This year many projects across Brent libraries are taking part, for one week only. Here are some of the events running during the week: 

Saturday 12th May 

Basic camera skills workshop

10am-1pm – Town Hall Library

Not sure you’re getting the best out of your new camera? Photographer Lucy Williams will give you a unique opportunity to ask all those awkward questions. Not only will you learn the theory behind a great photo, but there will also be hands-on practice, where you can put your skills to use.

*Advanced booking. Please bring your own camera

IT for beginners

11am-12.30pm – Harlesden Library Plus

Want to learn how to use a computer? With IT for beginners, you’ll be taken step-by-step through sending emails to shopping online.

Gardening naturally

2pm-4pm – Ealing Road Library

Glorious Gardens will provide a tour on how to be organic with your garden. This taster course will include a session potting herbs, where you can get your hands dirty and learn to divide and pot popular herbs. You’ll also be able to take away free extra plants for your garden, balcony, or window box. 

*Advanced booking

Monday 14th May

How to write a winning CV

10am-12 noon – Ealing Road Library

Your CV is the most important part of selling yourself to your prospective employer. Get tips from the National Careers Service on how to make your CV stand out and be sure it gets you an interview.  

*Advanced booking

Confidence and motivation workshop 

10am-12 noon – Town Hall Library

The Women’s Consortium (for women only)

Do you know where you want to go in life? Do you feel your lack in confidence is holding you back? This motivational workshop is designed to help develop your self-confidence and give you the skills you need to plan for the future. In this two-hour class you will learn practical steps towards challenging negative self-belief. You are guaranteed to learn some skills and techniques that will help implement lasting change. 

Blogging Master Class

5pm-7pm – Willesden Green Library Centre

Learn how to create a blog, keep it up to date and get the most out of your time and effort blogging.

Tuesday 15th May

Make an appointment with the Book Doctor

10am-12 noon – Kingsbury Library Plus

The Book Doctor will recommend books according to your likes and preferences. Guaranteed to inspire you to get the reading bug back.

Beginners’ French

11am-12noon – Harlesden Library Plus

Relaxed and informal sessions to learn holiday French. 

Hair styling with BACES

6pm-8pm – Ealing Road Library 

Learn a variety of different hairstyle techniques for those glam nights out.

Henna workshop with BACES

6pm-8pm – Ealing Road Library

Perfect the art of Henna with this two-hour taster class.

Wednesday 16th May

Money-saving tips from the authors of the Penny Pincher’s Book

10am-12 noon – Ealing Road Library

Not in control of your finances? John and Irma Mustoe are seasoned savers with hundreds of tips on living better for less.

Word processing and email

11am-12.30pm – Harlesden Library Plus

Become a pro at sending out emails and writing those difficult letters.

Relaxation session

2pm-3pm – Kingsbury Library Plus 

Taking care of yourself starts with a single step. With over ten years of experience in assisting people to find their balance, Essence provides support along your journey to peace, relaxation and change. 

Money management with author Wyn Derbyshire

2.15pm-3.15pm – Willesden Green Library

Do you wonder where your money goes? Wyn Derbyshire, author of “Money and Work”, will show you how to account for your money and stay the boss of your finances.

Thursday 17th May

Social media for beginners

11am-12.30pm – Harlesden Library Plus

Learn how to set up Facebook and Twitter accounts, and make the most of the social networking world.

From stress to strength: a workshop on overcoming stress and anxieties with clinical psychologist Elaine Iljon Foreman

1.30pm-2.30pm – Town Hall Library

Elaine Iljon Foreman is a chartered clinical psychologist specialising in the treatment of fear of flying, stress and overcoming anxieties. Elaine is also the author of “Overcoming Anxiety”, “Overcoming Depression”, and “The Anxiety and Depression Workbook”. 

Take this class to overcome your fears.

How to make money on eBay – delivered in partnership with Abi Associates

10.30am-12pm – Harlesden Library Plus 

1.30pm-3pm – Ealing Road Library

Learn the tricks and tips that eBay power sellers use, and use them to your advantage.

*Advanced booking

PowerPoint for beginners

2pm-3.30pm – Ealing Road Library  

Learn to master the art of Microsoft PowerPoint.

*Advanced booking

LinkedIn workshop

6.30pm-7.30pm – Willesden Green Library 

Create a winning profile and grow your connections on LinkedIn. 

*Advanced booking

Friday 18th May

Indian head massage with BACES

10am-12 noon – Ealing Road Library 

Please call 020 8937 3560 for details.

Reflexology workshop with BACES

10am-12 noon – Harlesden Library Plus

Discover the principles of foot reflexology. You will be guided through massage sequences and learn how the entire body is represented in reflexes. Tension, illness, weakness and disease are believed to manifest in the reflexes.

Silver surfers

11am-12.30pm – Harlesden Library Plus

Nail art workshop with BACES

1.30pm-3.30pm – Harlesden Library Plus

Learn manicure techniques and how to apply gems and nail transfers.

One-to-one advice on jobs, courses and training from the National Careers Service

2pm-3.30pm – Ealing Road Library

Need advice on how to get that perfect job? Get one-to-one advice from the National Careers Service and take one step further to getting ahead in your career.

*Advanced booking

Minding bellies well – mouthwatering food on a budget

2pm-3pm – Willesden Green Library

Maria Kuehn is a chef, writer, winner of The Observer Food Monthly Awards 2011 and has her own food and recipe blog named “Minding Bellies Well”. Join Marie for a lively and informative talk on cooking inspiring, mouthwatering food on a budget.

For more information and to book sessions contact your local library, or visit the Adult Learners’ Week website. 

Zanib Asghar