Start learning, start living

A wide range of free adult learning courses are available across Hull this spring

Would you like to develop your creative writing skills, or learn the basics of computers, or try your hand at yoga, t'ai chi or Indian dancing?
Perhaps you'd like to learn flower arranging, painting for pleasure, digital photography, or even get fighting fit with a course in martial arts.
Well now's your chance – because Hull City Council has beaten off competition from more than 1,400 organisations across the country to win a government grant of £150,000 to provide a range of adult learning courses.
And there's more good news, because a range of high-profile partners have agreed to help deliver the courses, including the BBC, NHS Hull, The Goodwin Development Trust, Hull KR and voluntary and community organisations.
Read on to find out about some of the opportunities...but remember to book early as places are limited!

At Hull Museums... ...there are free 'taster' sessions on Wednesday afternoons between 1 – 3pm. The sessions, open to all adults, are designed to get the creative juices flowing and are being delivered by Artlink, as follows: 17 March Introduction to Digital Photography Open Space – Streetlife Museum Learn how to use your digital camera and how to use your laptop to edit photos 24 March Contemporary Dance and Jazz Open Space – Streetlife Museum Work with a professional dancer to explore Hull's past through jazz and contemporary dance 31 March Out on the Tiles Open Space – Streetlife Museum Design and decorate your own ceramic tile. To book your place please contact Sarah Fisher or Jayne Hall at Artlink on 345 104 or email artsdevelopment@artlink.uk.net 31 March and 8 April Grandparents and Grandchildren - Forward to the Future! Streetlife Museum Explore museum collections to discover how different generations view the world. Design a new invention to change the world of the future. To find out more about Adult Learning call Museum Education on 318 733.

At Bilton Grange Community Centre... ...on Grange Road, east Hull, the women's group is offering free taster sessions between 2 - 4pm on Friday afternoons as follows: 5 March Mixed Crafts 12 March NailArt 19 March An introduction to Family History 26 March Flower Arranging 16 April An introduction to Local History 23 April Chair based Yoga (suitable for those with mobility difficulties) For more information call Brenda Wood on 781 863.

At Hull Adult Education centres... ...on Park Avenue and Ings Road there are one-day classes running from 9.30am - 3.30pm on the following days: 13 April, Avenues Creative crafts Cubism 14 April, Avenues Landscapes using watercolours Gardening containers and baskets T'ai Chi techniques workshop - sword 13 April, Ings Creative crafts Spring flower arranging 15 April, Ings Gardening - containers and baskets T'ai Chi techniques workshop To book your place call Ings reception on 331 619. Classes cost £10, but are free to callers who quote 'Hull in print.'

Fighting Fit If you want to get fit, lose weight, and improve your confidence – why not try martial arts? NHS Hull has been running mixed martial arts classes for beginners of all ages at Craven Park, and so far all members have gained their yellow belts. NHS Hull is now looking to start up more classes across Hull, and some will feature training by Strike, the performance martial arts duo who were finalists on TV show Britain's Got Talent. To find out more about dates for future classes contact the Earning and Learning Team at NHS Hull on 344 833 Are you aged 19 - 25? If so, would you be interested in attending martial arts classes (including tuition from the Strike duo who featured on Britains Got Talent)? Or would you be interested in learning more about digital photography, film making or graffiti art? For more information on these free projects and others, please phone Mike Scott at Volcom on 382 521 or email mike.scott@volcom.org.uk

New website For more information on all of the above visit the new website www.my-hull.co.uk This website is also an opportunity for groups to advertise their own courses, and for tutors to advertise their skills for free. Confused? If you need advice and guidance about starting learning or looking for work then why not make an appointment with our qualified careers adviser? Call Steve on on 07879 817789 or email steve.eaman@hullcc.gov.uk

We are the champions

Do you have some spare time on your hands and are you interested in volunteering? Are you already working as a volunteer within your community?
Are you an adult learner who would like to promote all the benefits of learning to other adults? If so, the Hull Community Champions project would like to hear from you.
Hull City Council and partners have been successful in their bid to set up a network of learning champions across the city.
Volunteers will receive free training, access to local and regional events and will be invited to join a national register of learning champions.
To find out more call Adriana Paxton on 587 550 or visit www.my-hull.co.uk and follow the link to Community Learning Champions.

Share the treasure

Are you a member of a voluntary or community group, and if so, have you heard of the Common Treasury?
It's a collection of resources that can be loaned out for free and includes digital recording and photography equipment, PA systems, laptops, whiteboards, chairs, gazebos and even badge makers and balloon pumps.
To find out more or to book an item ring 382 521 or visit www.volcom.org.uk to view the online catalogue or why not come and visit us in person on 17 March at unit 51C, Goodhart Road, Bransholme (part of the Northpoint Shopping Centre).