New project aims to secure the place of learning in old age

The launch will take place in the Verbal Arts Centre, Derry/Londonderry on Wednesday 12 November starting at 12.30. Renowned actress and older learner herself, Olivia Nash (Ma from Give My Head Peace), will be present to work with a group of seniors who will present a drama on the day.

Colin Neilands, WEA Director, explains the importance of the Learning Age Project: "We have been involved in researching the benefits of learning in later life for some time now. Bringing together academic research and our experience of working with older people across Northern Ireland, we believe that taking part in learning can help reduce isolation, keep the body active, stimulate the mind, pass on new skills and even contribute to better health.

"Current government policy concentrates almost exclusively on young people which has unfortunately meant that there are fewer and fewer opportunities for older people to take part in affordable and suitable learning. Through this project the WEA will directly address the lack of educational opportunities available by providing a programme of learning designed with older people in mind."

The project's aims are:

- To run a programme of courses tailored to the needs and interests of older people
- To contribute to a self help learning culture where older people take control of their learning
- To measure and evaluate the positive impact that learning has in later life
- To lobby for mainstream support of later life learning

The project will run for 5 years and will engage up to 5000 of the most disadvantaged older people in classes designed to meet their needs. Courses currently on offer include Computers, Arts and Crafts, Personal Development and Reminiscence. New courses being developed include planning for retirement, money management in older age and reskilling for work in later life. The project is supported by The Atlantic Philanthropies.

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Notes to editor:

1. The WEA is a voluntary organisation that provides adult learning, mostly in community settings, to over 5000 people per year. They also produce resource materials and hold conferences, seminars and workshops that assist communities in working together for a better society. The WEA's vision is of a prosperous, creative and cohesive society where everyone is a learner. Its mission is to make learning irresistible.

2. Over one third of the WEA's learners are aged 50 years old and over.

3. The Atlantic Philanthropies is an international, independent charitable foundation which seeks to bring about lasting changes in the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable people. In Northern Ireland, it focuses on ageing, disadvantaged children and youth and reconciliation and human rights.

4. For further information contact Sinead Devine, 7136 9947 sinead.devine@wea-ni.com