Adult Learning North Yorkshire

Judges praised Adult Learning North Yorkshire’s practical, joined-up approach to health and learning. The service supports residents who may be experiencing poor mental health, isolation or long-term inactivity through friendly one-to-one ‘Life Chats’ in community settings, alongside learning that builds confidence and wellbeing. This has involved working with health services, Talking Therapies, Jobcentre Plus and community organisations to reach people who can benefit most.

Life Chats are part of the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Work & Skills Interchange that connects individuals and employers to work, health and skills support to help them take their next steps into learning or work. The Work & Skills Interchange and Life Chats are funded by the Get Britain Working Economic Inactivity Trailblazer.

The results demonstrate the difference the service is making. In just five months, Life Chats reached 1,098 people, with 166 moving into learning and 169 starting job hunting. More than 3,500 learners have also benefited from Adult Learning North Yorkshire’s tailored learning offer.

The Get the Nation Learning Awards are part of Get the Nation Learning Week, running from 2–6 November. Led by Learning and Work Institute and backed by more than 230 organisations, the Get the Nation Learning campaign celebrates the power of lifelong learning to change lives, strengthen communities and support better work.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in this fantastic national recognition for adult learning North Yorkshire. By helping learners develop new skills, build confidence and make positive changes to their health and wellbeing, we’re helping people to create healthier, happier and more fulfilling futures. It is wonderful to see the hard work of learners, tutors and the wider team recognised at a national level and I am delighted that North Yorkshire is leading the way in showing what adult learning can achieve.”

Jackie Walton, a learner with Adult Learning North Yorkshire, said:
“Life Chat has genuinely changed the course of my life. I knew I wanted to teach and inspire others, but I had no idea where to start or whether it was even possible without a teaching qualification. My Life Chat sessions gave me the space to explore my ideas, work through the challenges I was facing and discover opportunities I didn’t know existed. That support led me to study maths with Adult Learning North Yorkshire, complete a teaching qualification and ultimately begin a career in teaching.”

Jackie has now come full circle. Having benefited from Life Chat herself, she has recently secured a role as a Skills and Engagement Officer, delivering Life Chats and supporting others to explore their own opportunities and next steps.

“When I started listening to my inner voice, asked for support and said yes to opportunities, doors began to open. I’m excited to keep moving forward and to give something back by helping others discover what might be possible for them too.”

Stephen Evans, Chief Executive of Learning and Work Institute, said:
“Joined-up learning and health support can have a transformative impact on individuals and communities. Adult Learning North Yorkshire has shown exactly how this can be done – through partnership working, embedded wellbeing support and targeted outreach to those who need help the most. We are delighted to make them the winners of our Healthier Futures Award this year at the Get the Nation Learning Awards.”

Leigh Mills, Head of Skills Education and Employment at York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, said:
“Everyone in York and North Yorkshire should have the opportunity to learn new skills, fulfil their potential and enjoy a healthier, more secure future. That’s why we’re proud to work alongside North Yorkshire Council in developing and delivering the Work & Skills Interchange and enabling investment in support that reaches people in their communities, particularly those who may face barriers to learning or employment. This award is fantastic recognition of the difference Adult Learning North Yorkshire is making to people’s confidence, wellbeing and opportunities. Congratulations to the whole team and, most importantly, to the residents whose achievements are at the heart of this success.”