Develop TwitterSite text size
Changes you make to the text size will be remembered for every page you visit on the site.
Decrease text size 
Increase text size 
Reset text size to default
Learning & Skills
Services
See services for other inclusive practices and domains
Supporting Service Users
Well deserved reputation for offering good quality part time courses. Several campus around the borough. Courses taught by well qualified tutors.
Staff of the college have had mental health awareness training from Peter Grand in Mental Health Promotion. They have a support system for learners.
Contact: Jenny Alexander
Tel: 020 8460 0020
Email: jennyalexander@baec.ac.uk
Visit BAEC's website:
A range of exciting computer courses are now being held on the first floor at Bromley Library.
There are a number of courses available, from 'Terrified of IT' and 'Introduction to Word and Excel', through to 'Image Editing with Photoshop Elements'.
Whatever your skill level there is a course on offer for you. Click on the links below for more information and a flier with details of all the courses currently running.
Visit website:
The Bromley Adult Learning Consortium (BALC) runs thousands of courses for more than 30,000 people each year. There are three colleges in the Consortium - Bromley Adult Education College, Bromley College of Further & Higher Education and Orpington College.
Each college has expertise in different areas, and by working together they aim to offer the full range of courses that local people need. Many courses help people gain specialist qualifications to further their careers, and all three colleges offer customised training programmes to local businesses that can be delivered in the workplace.
Download brochure:
The Central Library is the largest library in Bromley. Can offer home deliveries to the housebound of CDs, books and DVDs. Offers individual sessions on internet use.
Have had mental health awareness training. Special collection of self help books on mental health issues organised within the Primary Care Trust.
Contact: Jenny Lewis on 020 8461 7155
Email: informationservices@bromley.gov.uk
Resources and links:
Bromley College's aim is to provide high quality education and training opportunities with real vocational outcomes.
The College has both a counseling and support service for learners. All staff and managers have had mental health awareness training.
Contact Jenny Avery for the support service.
Tel: 020 8295 7001
Email: Jennifer.Avery@bromley.ac.uk
Visit Bromley College's website:
UK Online Centres provide millions of people with access to computers and the internet, plus help and advice on using them.
They open up Information Communications Technology (ICT), online government services and the wider web to people who lack the confidence, access or skills to
use computers.
Resources:
Situated in High Elms Country park, BEECHE is an education and visitor centre offering environmental education to schools in term time and opens as a visitor and information centre on weekends and during school holidays.
Telephone: 01689 862815
Fax: 01689 861347
Email: countrysideandparks@bromley.gov.uk
Address: High Elms Country Park, Shire Lane, Farnborough BR6 7JH
Visit LBB website for more information and related downloads:
Conquer your fear of computers by attending one of our free computer taster sessions at Bromley Central Library.
- One hour sessions
- All welcome (aged 16+)
- Small friendly groups
- Expert tutors
For more information, phone: 020 8461 7298, or download the leaflet below:
JusB is a charity which aims to help young people particularly in their teenage years and provide them with a brighter future.
They are based in Bromley and operate through a youth centre as well as outreach work in the local community.
Contact: Ned McWhirter on 020 8464 2722
Email: Ned.jusb@btconnect.com
Website:
All Bromley libraries now have a network of computers offering free internet access, e-mail, and use of Microsoft Works packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.)
You can pop into the library and access your hotmail, work on your cv, put together a presentation or just surf for fun, and all for free (although there is a small charge for printing)! If you aren't tech savvy, don't worry - library staff are on-hand to offer a 1:1 session on how to use the computer, tailored to your needs (from how to use a mouse, right through to surfing the web and using email or internet banking).
If this whets your apetite, perhaps you might like to consider one of the more extensive computer courses being run in conjunction with Bromley Adult Education College.
Visit website:
6 week courses designed to help people cope with life and it's difficulties. Based on cognitive behavioural approaches and covering topics such as managing depression, understanding your anger, managing your anxiety, building self esteem and assertiveness.
Contact: Anna Nugent
Tel: 020 8289 6872
Email: anna.nugent@bromleymind.org.uk
Latest courses and website:
Bromley Mind runs courses developing skills for work, education and training, enabling people to live more independently, as well as creative and leisure courses, as part of the day services programme.
Contact: Barbie Gibbons on 01689 607657
Email: Barbie.Gibbons@bromleymind.org.uk
Latest courses and website:
Refocus offers opportunities for service users to participate in a training scheme in all aspects of Horticulture and Conservation at the Scadbury Park Nature Reserve.
Can lead to volunteering and work. Partners with Mind and Community Options in EcoMinds.
Contact: Euan Craig
Tel: 020 8302 7496
Email: euan.craig@bromley.gov.uk
Download flyer as a PDF file:
Bromley Speakers, part of Toastmasters International, uses a proven program to help you improve your public speaking, communications and leadership skills.
You will learn how to run a meeting, how to get a group to meet deadlines, how to set goals and accomplish them and much more.
Join the thousands of people who have overcome their fear of speaking in a comfortable, friendly and supportive atmosphere. 
Please contact president of the club, Tony Babatunde on 07963 217550, or email him at president@bromleyspeakers.co.uk
Visit websites:
U3A Bromley is a self-help non-profit organisation with more than 1700 members and many different study groups.
U3A Bromley has a wide choice of study groups. Some of the more academic subjects covered are - Art Appreciation, Computers, History, Local Studies, Languages, Literature, Music and Mathematics. Recreational activities include Crafts, Golf, Short Mat Bowls, Dancing, Walking, Keep Fit and Travel.
Additionally, there are groups playing Bridge, Mah Jong, Scrabble and Chess.
There are three branches in Bromley used extensively by many service users. Mind in Bromley have a good connection. Their national headquarters is in East Street, Bromley.
Contact: Evelyn Robinson
Email: u3a.bromley@btinternet.comVisit website:
This course was developed specifically for our service users in conjunction with workNET and aims to build confidence in areas like information technology, business administration, personal development and job search skills. Runs as part of Orpington College. Staff have had mental health awareness training.
Contact: Wendy Alder
Tel: (01689) 899 700/827 344
Email: walder@orpington.ac.uk
Downloads:
The Centre at Cotmandene Crescent, funded by The London Borough of Bromley and the Bromley Primary Care Trust, is an integrated community centre providing opportunities forlocal people of all ages and all walks of life. The Centre can be used very flexibly and is very accessible.
Services at the Centre include:
- free courses ranging from basic skills to vocational, personal development and IT(information technology)
- use of ICT suite and training rooms
- careers and business advice
- job club and job search facilities
Regular surgeries held by:
- Age Concern Bromley
- Bromley Community Drugs Project
- Broomleigh Housing Association
- community groups, including art groups and self help groups
- housing and council tax surgery
- legal advice
- local ward councillors
- Nextsteps Careers Advisor
- one to one support from centre staff
- Referrals to other agencies such as Pensions, Carers Bromley and Business Focus
- trading standards
Please call into The Centre or telephone to get a free brochure and a weekly programme.
Contact: Christine Cross or Anita Thundercliffe:
The Centre, 64 Cotmandene Crescent, Orpington, Kent BR5 2RG
Tel: 020 8402 0123
E-mail: ccrc@bromley.go.uk
Download latest events programmes:
Mottingham Learning Shop offers support to local people seeking to increase their employability through preparation for work including access to CV writing, personal development, courses, careers advice, interview skills and job search as well as specific support for parents.
Contact: Jo Guest
Tel: 020 8860 1150
Email: MCLS@Bromley.gov.uk
Downloads:
An offshoot of a local GP practice this community project provides gardening, nature conservation and creative opportunities in their walled garden and studio for the well-being of local residents especially people with physical or mental health problems.
Help with return to work. Covers West sector. Long standing member of Develop.
Contact: Katie Hooper or Daniela Fleckenstein
Tel: 020 8291 1650
Email: info@sydenhamgarden.org.uk
Visit website:
Provides training, advice and consultancy services to businesses as well as advice and advocacy services to individuals in the workplace or those wishing to return to work.
They can offer disabled people access to computers and the latest software at their offices in Orpington.
Contact: Teresa Nissen
Tel: 020 8300 8008
Email: admin@accesscorporation.co.uk
Suite 1, Grays Farm Production Village,
Grays Farm Road,
Orpington, Kent
United Kingdom
BR5 3BD
Website:
Infobromley: Education & Lifelong Learning
This website provides details of a wide range of local organisations and services from community and voluntary groups to local health and Bromley Council services to activity groups.
Visit website:
Projects are open access and recommended to people with limited current skills. Priority will be given to Broomleigh Housing Association residents. Courses include: Gardening, IT, DIY, Introduction to fashion, First Aid and Growing your own food.
Contact: Arriege Addien on 020 8285 4359
Email: Arriege.Addien@affinity.sutton.com
Website:
City Lit offers you the biggest choice of part-time courses for adults in London - whether you choose an evening class, a daytime or weekend course.
City Lit’s Community Outreach team works with partner organisations to bring innovative adult learning opportunities to people who, for a number of reasons, are excluded from learning or don’t think learning is relevant to them. Many participants go on to further study, gaining confidence, skills and work opportunities.
Courses are structured to make positive use of the learners’ backgrounds and life experience, and to develop their existing skills and knowledge.
Our creative projects work with:
- homeless and vulnerably-housed people, encouraging them back into learning
- people with severe and enduring mental health difficulties, helping them to improve their communication and IT skills and gain qualifications
- parents and carers, who are helped to develop their own skills as well as their children's, on school-based projects
- local residents, who develop their work-related skills and plan activities to improve life in their neighbourhood.
Visit website:
Dubbed the “campus of cool”, Goldsmiths is best known for excellence in the arts, but it stresses that it brings the same creative approach to a wider range of subjects, spanning humanities, social sciences and teacher training.
Evening and other part-time classes are still as popular as conventional degree courses and many subjects can be studied from basic to postgraduate levels.
Visit website:
Lambeth College is considered one of the best colleges by the government inspectors. The college offers a wide variety of courses and have outstanding facilities for the students.
The students of Lambeth College have the option of pursuing a full time course or studying for a few hours by option for part time option. You can also opt for weekend classes. The teachers are always there to help you. One of the greatest advantages of the college is that they charge very nominal fees. On top of that, if you belong to a low-income group, your fees can be further discounted.
Visit website:
Lewisham College aims to fulfil all your hidden ambitions. It offers a variety of very interesting courses. You might want to start your own construction company or become a DJ or simply want to gain knowledge.
Whatever your mission is, Lewisham College is the place for you. There are millions of opportunities for you to grab. You just need to have the right qualifications and the right attitude. And that is what the college offers you. The college has brilliant teachers on their roll. They also offer fantastic amenities.
Visit website:
London South Bank University has around 20,000 students, 3,000 of which come from 120 foreign countries.
71 percent are pursuing undergraduate courses while 25 percent are doing their master’s degree. The programmes are taught by staff with relevant job experience who equip students with industry skills.
Visit website:
Morley College is a leading specialist provider for the educational needs of adults from all backgrounds throughout their lives.
Its mission is to be a centre of excellence in adult learning, specialising in the Arts, Health Studies, the Humanities and Social Sciences, and Skills for Life.
Visit website for more information:
Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF) works with people living with physical and learning disabilities or acquired brain injuries to gain new skills and increase independence. Whether it’s learning everyday life skills, rebuilding a life affected by brain injury, acquiring the skills to drive a specially adapted car or training for future employment QEF supports disabled people to achieve goals for life.
QEF enables and supports disabled people to increase independence and improve life skills.
Visit website:
Affinity Sutton are committed to supporting residents to access training, employment and further opportunities. The Re:train initiative enables residents to access training courses of their choice that will help them access future opportunities.
To be eligible to apply you must fulfil the following criteria:
(i) A current Affinity Sutton resident
(ii) Either currently unemployed, at risk of redundancy or looking to make a change in career direction.
Please note that the closing date for applications is:
5pm on Monday 15th March 2010.
Download application form:
Springboard Bromley offers a wide range of training to help people develop and improve their skills. We offer pre-employment and work-based programmes to people living in the London boroughs of Bromley, Lewisham, Greenwich, Bexley, Croydon and beyond.
At Bromley we have well-equipped classrooms, up-to-date IT suites and purpose built workshops for construction and a cafe. We run our Schools Programme from our base in Catford. We are part of CSV's (Community Service Volunteers) Training and Enterprise Division and have been established as a training provider since 1981.
Beacon House, Old Homesdale Road, Bromley BR2 9LJ
Tel: 020 8460 7555
Email: janetw@springboardbromley.org.uk
Visit website:
URSpecial is a new approach to the lifestyle and well-being of Young People aged 11-19 years old.
URS is keen to ensure that all Young People whatever their background or their circumstances have the support they need to:
- Be healthy
- Stay safe
- Enjoy and achieve
- Make a positive contribution
Download flyer (PDF) and visit the URS website:
University of Greenwich, Greenwich, London, has a history dating back to 1890 when the country's second polytechnic was established. The institution operates from its three campuses located in Avery Hill, Greenwich, and Medway. It also has two centres; the Kings Hill Conference & Training Centre and the University Centre Folkestone.
The University of Greenwich has initiated a student support program that helps students by giving them financial aid, placement within and outside the University.
Visit website:
The Workers' Educational Association (WEA) is the UK's largest voluntary provider of adult education, with branches nationwide including Bromley. Some grants are available - see website. Very relevant to mature learners orpeople with previous limited education.
Contact: Daphne Ward
Tel: 020 8650 9066
Email: daphne.ward@ntlworld.com
Full listing of WEA Adult Learning courses in Bromley online
Links to website, local offices and their policy on disclosing a disability:
Supporting Service Development
NIACE (National Institute of Adult Continuing Education) exists to encourage more and different adults to engage in learning of all kinds. They campaign for - and celebrate the achievements of - adult learners, young and old, and in all their diversity.
NIACE is the largest organisation working to promote the interests of learners and potential learners in England and Wales. NIACE (The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education - England and Wales) is a non-governmental organisation working for more and different adult learners.
The NIACE Moodle brings together in one place a range of NIACE online learning activities. Some of the resources on the Moodle support face-to-face courses and events, while others are solely intended to be delivered online. You are welcome to browse some of the courses, although a number will be closed activities that only invited participants can view and join.
Visit the NIACE website, and download instructions on how to register for the "Moodle":
Potential learners can be constrained by low expectations but for many people taking part in mainstream learning at the local college will promote better health outcomes.
The education project builds on current work undertaken by NIMHE and NIACE (National Institute for Adult Continuing Education) and aims to improve access to learning and skills for people with mental health problems.
This partnership project is instrumental in taking forward the action points in the SEU report.
Visit website:
The Working Group for the Promotion of Mental Well-Being in Higher Education was founded in 2003 in response to growing interest in, and concern about, the mental health of students and staff in the UK Higher Education setting.
The Working Group is constituted as a self-financing working group of Universities UK and GuildHE. Its members are drawn from the HE sector, the NHS and the student body.
The Group's aims are to:
- promote collaboration between the different sectors, agencies and professional groups with responsibility for mental well-being in HE
- be a reference point for government bodies, managers in the NHS and educational institutions and practitioners in respect of mental well-being in HE
- to influence policy on issues related to mental well-being in HE.
Visit website
Successor to the now-defunct Learning and Skills Council, The Skills Funding Agency is an agency of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
Their job is to fund and regulate adult FE and skills training in England. They are part of a network of organisations in the country who commission, manage and market training for adults. Their mission is to ensure that people and businesses can access the skills training they need to succeed in playing their part in society and in growing England’s economy. They do this in the context of policy set by BIS and informed by the needs of businesses, communities and regions, and sector and industry bodies.
Visit website:
Train to Gain is the national skills service meeting the needs of employers of all sizes and in all sectors to improve the skills of their employees as a route to improving their business performance. The service offers skills advice on everything from basic skills through to leadership and management training.
The service aims to encourage all employers to realise the benefits that learning and skills can bring whilst recongising that different sized businesses or businesses from different sectors face different challenges. The service therefore recognises this and is tailored to meet these needs.
Visit website:
Site designed and built by qubelondon