WEA Connect and Learn 2026
About this Event
'Because adults deserve better'.
This year's event will focus on the links between lifelong learning and current societal issues. We can't wait to hear your views.
Agenda
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Registration and refreshments
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Opening remarks with WEA CEO Simon Parkinson
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Workshop AM option 1: Bread and Banners too
Info: Join glass artist and WEA tutor Keira McLean for a participatory workshop where we’ll learn about the meaning and symbolism behind trade union banners and have a go at designing our own!
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Workshop AM option 2: What's next for lifelong learning in Scotland
Info: Six weeks on from the Scottish Parliament election WEA's Director of Scotland, Ray McCowan, will host a discussion exploring what the election results mean for the future of lifelong learning in Scotland.
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Workshop AM option 3: Meeting the needs of the North East
Info: As the North East Combined Authority role out their new employment and skills vision for adult education, join our expert panel for a discussion on the challenges and opportunities this approach brings for learners and communities.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Celebrating partnership with Coalfields Regeneration Trust
Info: Longstanding WEA partner, Coalfields Regeneration Trust, are a community wealth building charity operating in Britain’s coalfield areas. They support coalfield communities to reach their full potential through programmes which focus on community, health, skills, jobs and the climate. Hear from colleagues about their impact in the North East and nationally.
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Buffet lunch
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:15 PM
Adults Deserve Better
Info: Lifelong learning powers our skills, our confidence, our communities, our future. During periods of rebuilding and reinvention, governments treated adult learning as the catalyst for renewal. But somewhere along the way, learning stopped being a priority. Our keynote speakers will make the case for lifelong learning to be at the heart of policy making.
🕑: 02:15 PM - 03:15 PM
Workshop PM option 1: Lifelong Learning Labs: Join the experiment!
Info: Step into the lab and help us shape the future of lifelong learning. Together we'll explore the role lifelong leaning plays in tackling these core themes: health & wellbeing, connecting communities, cultural divides, creating good work, closing the skills gap and hate & disinformation.
🕑: 02:15 PM - 03:15 PM
Workshop PM option 2: Writing poetry human vs AI
Info: Join WEA tutors Patrick O'Reilly and Sally Darlow for an interactive workshop providing tips for writing poetry and information on AI including what it is and how it can be used in poetry. At the end of the session, you'll compare human vs AI poetry and discover similarities and differences.
🕑: 02:15 PM - 03:15 PM
Workshop PM option 3: Championing change: advocacy volunteering at WEA
Info: Join WEA volunteering manager, Lauren Yule-Kennedy to explore how advocacy can drive positive change in our communities. We’ll share our thinking so far on volunteer advocacy roles and invite you to help shape the direction of this emerging strategy.
🕑: 03:15 PM - 03:30 PM
Refreshment break
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Pitman's Parliament keynote speech
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Closing remarks
Info: WEA CEO Simon Parkinson and WEA President Matt Pointon bring the day to an end by sharing their reflections
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:30 PM
Drinks reception and networking
Info: Our optional end of the day drinks reception gives attendees the chance to relax, network and explore Redhills
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00 to GBP 50.00
