ACL Discover Magazine by acl-essex

DISCOVER MAGAZINE

ommunity future c t en m p o el ev d wellbeing Your... creativity

Short story competition 5

Issue 1: SPRING 2021

Health & wellbeing 42

Spring courses 58

welcome Contents

From Katherine Burns Principal, Adult Community Learning Essex

I am delighted to welcome you to the first edition of our ACL magazine. I hope that the stories and articles in our magazine inspire you to try something new, to get involved, make friends with others with similar interests or gain skills to take a new direction. At ACL, we take pride in being friendly and welcoming. So, if you have never joined us before, we look forward to meeting you in 2021.

Online learning

IN THIS ISSUE... Let’s get creative

Looking after our wellbeing

Get back into work

10 ways to improve mental health

Community & family learning

Online wellbeing experiences

Five benefits of online learning

Benefits of exploring Essex Country Parks

Arty games to play with family and friends

Short Story Competition 2020 winners

Success stories

Short Story ACL Choice winning entry

Don’t let a bad school grade define you

Short Story Competition 2021

ACL learner recognised in national award

Illustration Competition winners 2020

GCSEs learning in lockdown

A Levels aren’t the only option

David finds his counselling calling

Tutor recognition

Amazing apprentices

ACL Achievement Awards

Photography in Focus Where could a camera lead you

Photography tips and tricks

Wild about photography – Essex Wildlife Trust Photography Competition

Supporting our community Gifts for the elderly

Alzheimer’s Charity

Dementia Friendly Status

Join us for Virtual Afternoon Tea

Learner Forum

Learning as a family Connecting with our coastline

About us

Quick and easy arts and crafts

ACL Essex is the largest provider of adult education in the county. Our aim is to provide learners with as many ways to flourish as possible, to be there in communities across Essex, to make a difference to residents and businesses, so they can make a difference for themselves and to the places that they live in.

Creating art deco inspired flower patterns 13

Learn more about our courses

Did someone say ‘doodle time’

More than just a course

Paku-paku secret teller

Upcoming courses

Delicious recipes: Goan Fish curry

How to enrol on a course

A life of woodworking – A craftsman and educator’s life, in one object

We have courses to help you get back into work, brush up on your Maths, English and Digital Skills, to gaining a qualification to land that dream job. You can also learn a new language, pursue your passion for crafts, or be inspired to take up a new hobby! There are so many courses to support you on your lifelong learning journey.

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Arty games Let’s get creative

Written by Martina, ACL Creative & Cultural Learning Tutor Over lockdown it was back to virtual coffee and cake again. I should be used to this. For years, my husband’s Dutch uncle used to amuse and outrage me by sending smiling pictures of himself from coffee houses in the Hague, eating yummy apple cake. I was reminded of it last Friday, when we had a family Lock-down Party and spent a good deal of time, scrutinising the deliciousness of other people’s party snacks. But when we weren’t groaning about the food we couldn’t share, we played a very good game – an Arty Game that given the current situation, is IDEAL for group video chat or conferencing apps, like Zoom. Everyone has pencil and paper. Someone picks a subject, for example a rabbit, and draws it so no-one else can see it using basic geometric shapes – circles, triangles etc. Next, they describe their subject, shape-by-shape to the others, who attempt to draw it themselves.

The first to recognise what it is, holds up their picture for confirmation. If they’re right (after all the drawings have been shared) they get to choose and describe the next subject. You really do not have to be good at drawing to play this game. And if the results go off-piste, which happens all the time with us – so much the funnier. And it really doesn’t matter if your descriptive skills are at the beginner stage. Use your hands and fingers to help you. Cartoonists are famous for breaking down their subjects into basic geometric shapes and the internet is full of examples such as this one at: www.how-to-draw-funny-cartoons.com/drawanimals.html which readily lend themselves to Arty Games and to helping budding artists get started.

We asked our learners to submit a short story, no more than 500 words, to win some fabulous prizes in our writing competition! They did not disappoint. After reading over 80 amazing tales, we selected three winners; ACL Choice, Author’s Choice and People’s Choice.

ACL’s Choice was chosen by a range of English & Creative Writing tutors from ACL Essex, Author’s Choice was selected by local Author Liz Trenow and we asked the people of Essex to choose their favourite to win the People’s choice.

ACL’s Choice

The Hold-Up by Diane

And if you want to study the subject further, there’s a brilliant book called Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters by Robert Beverley Hale, which explains how famous artists used geometric shapes to analyse anatomy and to organise lights and shadows in figure drawing and portraiture. On the whole, I buy art books for the pictures, but this one’s well worth reading if you’re keen on figure or life drawing. I learned a lot from it. Plus: HOT FROM THE PRESS! Many more ARTY GAMES can be downloaded free from the local FirstSite Gallery’s website. 4

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Sign up to their mailing list at www.firstsite.uk/newsletter to find out when they’re being shared (my own first pack arrived in my email box today). Famous artists – Anthony Gormley, Gillian Wearing, Idris Khan etc have designed fun activities for you to make and do at home and the website’s adding more artist’s designs every week. You can afterwards share your artworks on their Online Studio. Anyone can post their work there. Just make sure it’s original work and not something you’ve copied from anything made by a living artist.

“I wrote The ‘Hold-up’ initially as an attempt at ‘flash fiction’ and from the outset my aim was to generate pace and atmosphere in the narrative. My influence for the story came from American movies which I love like Wild at Heart and Badlands. I decided to use it for the ACL 500-Word Story Competition as I thought it could fit the bill. I have done two writing courses previously with ACL Colchester, both of which I found very helpful in allowing me to develop my writing skills. My first course was a few years ago. The tutor then was Dot and it was an initial creative writing course. More recently I took a course on how to progress your novel with Emma.”

Let’s get creative

to play with family and friends online

Short StorY Competition To read the full stories, visit our website aclessex.com

Author’s Choice

Progress by Linda “Great news that I’ve won the Author’s Choice. I am totally made up! I’ve attended a few Creative Writing courses now, which have allowed me to explore my love of writing further. I discover new things and take inspiration away with me from each lesson. My tutor has been so supportive and encouraged me to believe in myself. She helped me understand that writing has no limits, anyone can do it at any age. My story shows how not being open to progress can sometimes have unexpected repercussions.”

People’s Choice

Froglet in the Garden by Cameron “This was based on our garden pond that my Dad created especially for me as I love nature and looking at books on animals. I can often be found down the garden watching the creatures living in the pond, particularly frogs and newts. This has helped keep me calm during the lockdown. Winning has inspired me to write more stories.” 5

Read our winning entry

ACL’s CHOICE WINNER

The Hold-Up Written by Diane

That was then, and this is now. I knew Joe back then, when we were young and life was right on the pulse; wild and free as the wind. The tale that comes to mind, that you might care to hear, is the one where, far out west, where the pine wolves roam and the sky looks as clear as tears, we took the car, that long low mean set of wheels, all chrome and hotwired, and we just drove. Deep through the San Juan night all the way down to the coast. All through that night we cruised. We smoked and laughed, talked of big fun yet to come and kissed, kissed, kissed, and as the heat was leached from the seared day and the night threw its dark cape on the land. We stopped at a road-side joint and drank beer, then drove some more ‘til the pale grey dawn crept from the east and the sun, hot as sin, rose once more and parched the land dry as bone. Joe said we could drive all the way to New York if we liked, clean across the land and I laughed loud with joy, the gleam in my eyes said ‘Yes.’ The fierce love I felt for him then said sure we could, and I knew I would go with him to New York or Hell, should he ask. Joe, all tanned, black-eyed with night-dark hair, grinned and gunned the car ‘til the

wheels screamed on the hot black top and we sped down the free-way like a bolt and my youth and my love held me in thrall. Next day, with the noon-day sun, Joe’s mood seemed to change; he seemed down and deep in thought then he said: “Hey hon, you know if we want to do New York, we need more cash than we got.” I shrugged and said, “No pain, we can work our way east,” but his eyes told me work was not in his plans. Down the way we saw road side gas for sale and Joe stopped and said: “Here’s where we get the cash. Now hear me babe, you get out and go up to that guy, toss that long blonde hair and flash those green lamps you call eyes and I’ll do the rest.” I was real scared and screamed, “NO!” and tried to pull him back as he pulled out the gun and sprang from the car. I ran to the guy, tried to warn him, but like the speed of light the gun went off and it was done. All our lives changed for good. The cops came and Joe was tried and put in jail for the rest of his life. And me? I raged and wept for fate, for the guy at the gas shack, for Joe, and for me. This is now and that was then. When life was so now.

Illustration by John, competition winner 6

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Illustration n o i t i FREE t e p Com

WHIZZ WITH WORDS? We are pleased to announce the launch of the 2021 ACL 500 Word Story Competition. This year the theme is ‘Awakening‘. We’re looking for our community to pen a story that quickly grabs our attention and tells a great tale. You can submit an entry as an individual or as a team effort – we want to read them all! Our judging panel will include a range of our experienced tutors, staff and local Essex Author Sarah Armstrong. Sarah Armstrong is the author of three novels, most recently The Wolves of Leninsky Prospekt, the first in the Moscow Wolves series. The second, The Starlings of Bucharest, will be out in April. She is also the author of a memoir about being on a jury during the pandemic, A Summer of Spying, which is out in February.

How to submit your story

2020

Entries will need to be in a Microsoft Word format to be accepted. Use the submission form below on the link below to submit your details and story. Deadline for submissions is 12 April 2021.

We were amazed by the number of stories we received as part of our Short Story competition, so we decided to launch the Illustration Competition!

aclessex.com/2021-acl-500-word-storycompetition

We asked for artistic & creative submissions that were inspired by one of our 3 winning stories:

Prizes include book vouchers, a short creative writing course, and your work published. Please ensure your story is suitable for all to read. Thank you and get writing…

• Hold-Up

Discovering new and exciting skills whilst exploring your creative writing and sharing inspirational moments with others. We have a fantastic range of courses including:

Congratulations to John who won with his comic illustration inspired by Hold-Up. John studied Pottery & Art at ACL Clacton and was “thrilled to win”.

• Advanced • Improvers

for a Visit our website eative full list of our Cr Writing courses.

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online sessions to help you learn new skills and inspire you. Learn something new at a time that suits you!

Sarah teaches undergraduate and postgraduate creative writing with the Open University, and lives in Colchester with her husband and four children.

• Beginners

Illustration competition results

Short story competition 2021

ARE YOU A

1 st

• Progress • Froglet in the Garden

n Well done to Joh up! and our runners

runners up

Photography in focus

Whether you’re using a smartphone or digital camera, everyone has the ability to take a great photograph. We met up with a couple of our past learners, Ashely and Leisl, to see where their Photography skills have taken them.

Written by Judy, ACL Creative & Cultural Learning Tutor

Whether you’re using a smart phone or digital camera, everyone has the ability to take a great photograph. I have shared some of my top tips to help capture the best shots.

composition

Image) (How to Frame an

Ashley has felt re-invigorated after his course and his passion for capturing life’s moments has been found again. He has been exercising his street smarts in photo locations across London.

• Avoid framing your main part of the image in the centre use the intersection lines to give balance to the subject using ‘Thirds’.

Street photography is a brilliant aspect of photography and can be candid or posed. I find it really gets to the heart of life.

• Consider your Viewpoint (where you stand to take the shot)

• High to Low and Low to High to give a dynamic view • Avoid too much confusion and business as this detracts from the focal point of your composition • Using your zoom Lens, focus on your main subject and zoom in closer to draw your image nearer to enhance detail, colour and texture We also met with Leisl who after achieving a Distinction in 2016, showing great skill in shooting a range of subjects from still life product shots to portraits, was able to set up her own Photography business. She has photographed a wedding in Venice, shooting in a documentary style with subtle control, making the bride, groom and guests look fantastic while incorporating the Venice ambience to great effect. Leisl is a great example of someone who was a beginner at the start of the course going on to make professional use of her learning.

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Camera Angles

• Avoid taking images at eye level use the camera at different angles

Ashley on his photography in London

Photography tricks and tips

Where Could A Camera Lead You?

Photography top tricks and tips

erations Technical consid • ISO controls light into your camera/phone. Setting your ISO to 100 for brighter light situations and increase your ISO for low light situations setting the ISO 400 and upwards for Museums, Theatres and Music gigs. • Setting Higher ISO will help with increasing light and for camera shake Use of a tripod and self-timer/remote control may be required for darker conditions (Night) to avoid camera movement

• Avoid fully ‘Auto’ set your camera for ‘Aperture’ priority for control for light and creating blurred backgrounds (Using Wider Apertures f1.8 to f5.6) See Blossom Image above • Set your camera for ‘Shutter Speed’ priority for capturing movement, using Higher speeds (125thupwards) to freeze an image and Slow shutter speeds (1/30th and below) to create movement • Make sure you focus on your main subject by using the focus indicator on your camera/ phone for your image to be sharp 11

Proud sponsors

Written by Amanda, ACL Creative & Cultural Learning Tutor Imagine the roaring 1920’s; glamour, luxury, elegance, simple sleek shapes, bold patterns and colours and the birth of Art Deco.

We were proud to be sponsoring the EWT photography competition for a third year!

This decorative arts and architecture movement influence many areas from fine art, architecture, textiles, fashion, jewellery, ceramics, illustration to industrial and product design.

It’s a fantastic opportunity for photographers of all levels to submit their work and have the chance to win £200.

It was inspired by many things, art from around the world, the paintings of the Cubists, Egyptian artefacts and new modern machines. Even products sold today have been influenced by Art Deco, have a look around your home can you see any?

There were a range of categories including: • A Wildlife Motion Picture • Captivating Colours (NEW) • Gardener’s World • Pattern and Texture • Wilder Essex (NEW) • Young Blood The 2020 competition saw over 800 images submitted, a record for the competition!

@essexwildlifetrust

What materials will you need: and some coloured pencils. Two pieces of paper, 1 sketching pencil ers or use your own image. Step 1: Look at the photograph of the flow colours lighter and darker? Can you draw an outline, where are the Can you shade some areas in. corner I am starting to Step 2: If you look at image B, in the top not as detailed. simplify the shapes, they are round and

If you’re looking to improve your photography skills, we offer a wide range of Photography courses: • • • •

Photography for Beginners Photoshop Landscape Portrait

Visit: aclessex.com/photography 12

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Now is the time to create your own art deco inspired flower pattern.

The Trust would like to say thank you to everyone who entered and shared their inspiring images, choosing the winners was not an easy feat. You view all the category winners and upcoming competitions by visiting the EWT website or following them on social media. www.essexwt.org.uk

Art Deco inspired flowers

WILD ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY

Creating Art Deco Inspired Flower Patterns

r design outline. Step 3: Draw out on a separate sheet you I have created my design Step 4: Select some key art deco colours, See Image C. Add layers in gold and black. Colour in your design, of colour on top of each other. adds contrast, it Step 5: A dark background works well and colour in your background. enhances the art deco style. You could

small amount of darker Step 6: For the final art deco touches, a s you would really like colour on top and outline in black the area to stand out.

d pattern. Enjoy your own unique art deco inspire

Grab a pencil

‘Doodle time’?

Quick and easy arts & crafts

Paku-Paku Secret Teller

Did someone say

Written by Abbie, ACL Creative & Cultural Learning Tutor

Written by Abbie, ACL Creative & Cultural Learning Tutor It’s doodle time! A doodle is an unfocused drawing made while a person’s attention is otherwise occupied. Doodles are simple drawings that can have concrete representational meaning or may just be abstract shapes.

1. A vase of flowers 2. A house 3. A cupcake 4. A group of people 5. A fish on a bike

Paper folding comes with many benefits such as: • helping us to develop our eye hand co-ordination and fine motor skills, • following sequencing • growing our mental concentration skills By following the instructions to create a Secret Teller you have created a new game to play which you can use to entertain and engage those around you.

Instructions

lf: Have a go yourse Take 10 minutes to doodle the following five items:

The te 10 minu craft session

Doodling as an art form can be a fun and simplistic way to come up with new ideas and patterns, characters and designs. This art form requires limited materials and is suitable for everyone to have a go at! All you need is some paper and a pen. You can doodle without any prior planning and without great expectations on the results. To get started you can either put pen to paper and see what happens naturally, or you can start by thinking about a theme or topic, such as nature, or food.

1. Take a square piece of paper

5. Fold each corner into the centre of the page

2. Make the first fold

6. Turn the paper over and fold each corner into the centre of the page

3. Make the second fold

7. Fold in half

Doodling is at its best when completed somewhat absent minded, so try doodling while on the phone, watching tv or having a chat. Doodling can help you tackle boredom in a playful and creative way and can have the added benefit of helping you concentrate.

8. Place your thumps and first fingers into the four flaps created 4. Turn the paper over 14

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9. Add your chosen text to each section

Done! Now you can explore different ways to interact with them, from adding colour to changing the questions you write in them. You can even experiment with making larger versions by starting with a larger piece of paper! 15

A delicious Goan dinner

RECIPE: Goan Fish Curry Written by Gary, ACL Cookery Tutor method

Ingredients 1 lemon 1 tsp Sea Salt 1 tsp Black Pepper Fish for 2 (I suggest something that is firm like Tuna, Monkfish, halibut, Salmon, King Prawns. Have a look what’s in the reduced section, fish like cod and haddock are not really suitable as they will just break up) 2 tsp Coriander seeds 1 tsp Cumin seeds 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped 3 tsp of fresh ginger, finely chopped 1 tsp turmeric ½ tsp salt 3 tbsp of oil 2 medium size onions, finely chopped 3 fresh tomatoes chopped very small, do not use tin tomatoes they are too acidic. 400ml tin of coconut milk 1 tbsp brown sugar 2 Red Chillis, sliced very thinly 3 tbsp fresh chopped mixed coriander and mint 16

1. Lay out your fish on a plate and squeeze your lemon juice over and season with salt and pepper, then cling film. 2. Make sure everything is prepared, dish out all your spices, seasoning’s, garlic, ginger, chilli, sugar (I use a large dinner plate and put them all in neat piles). Onions and tomatoes chopped. 3. In a dry sauté pan, slowly heat your cumin seeds with your coriander seeds till they start to pop, this is releasing the flavour from the spice, you will be able to smell the oils being released even though the seeds appear dry, the name is tempering. Add your chilli, garlic, ginger, turmeric and salt. Add a little oil (about 3 tbsp, you can always add a little more if it’s too dry) and start to fry. 4. Add your onion and cook on a low/medium heat till the onions have softened and started to colour, this stage should not be rushed. 5. When the onions are coloured add your chopped tomato, sugar and keep simmering turn the heat up slightly, we want to start to evaporate some of the moisture in the pan. The tomatoes should break down quite quickly if they are cut very small. 6. When most of the moisture has gone add your coconut milk, the sauce should start to thicken quite quickly. 7. Add your chosen fish and simmer for no more than 10 minutes Your fish will appear cooked by the lemon juice, however fish needs very little cooking and you are placing it in a boiling sauce, if you are concerned when you think its cooked, cut the thickest piece of fish and check. 8. Taste and season with salt if needed. Garnish with fresh mint and coriander and serve with Pilau rice.

I was taught to make this in Candolim, North Goa. Fish curry is served in every shack along the coast, tastes will vary however this is the best I’ve had (and I’ve had a few). I cannot take credit for the recipe, that belongs to Francis Fernandez of Dreamers Shack! The main pan I use for 90% of my recipes is a large Sauté Pan with a lid, about 28cm in diameter. If you buy one, get one that is capable to go stove to oven and is reasonably heavy. A large frying pan is fine as long as it’s deep enough. Enjoy!

A Life of Woodworking

Home video technology was also just beginning and so as an introductory exercise all the students were recorded doing a two-minute talk on a subject of their own choice.

A craftsman & educator’s life, in one objecT Written by Mike, Woodwork Tutor at the Basildon Craft Studios Anyone who has heard the Radio 4 series, The History of the World in whole 100 objects, will know that a single object can come to represent a epoch of human history. Recently that has become apparent in my own life as a craftsman/educator in the form of a small handbag mirror which, as every schoolboy, I turned for my Mum, out of pear. As part of my O-Level woodwork I wanted to go through the whole process of taking a piece of timber from the vertical to the horizontal, to season, and then design and make an artefact from it. So, when builders began to clear the orchard at the bottom of the school-drive, I went with my woodwork teacher Mr Porter and removed the ancient apple and pear trees that grew there. In class, we converted the trunks into logs and we ‘put them in stick’ under the

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demountable classrooms that were two or three feet off the ground and perfect for air to circulate through the pile of planks in order to season them.

All besuited, I took with me another piece of pear that had not been worked and spent two minutes trying to explain what made these same two pieces of wood from the same tree, fundamentally different from one another. After carefully returning it to my Mum I didn’t consciously see the mirror again until 2009. Sadly, by then she didn’t remember her handbag mirror, Alzheimer’s having ravaged her incredibly acute mind. So, the handbag mirror in pear passed onto my wife and began to roll around in her handbag until last week. 40 years after it was made, in the middle of my 4th decade as a craftsman/teacher the handbag mirror in pear, came back to my mind. I was looking for something to stimulate discussion with my woodturning students. A student had sent me some photos of a wooden surround he had been making in class and had completed while in isolation, for a magnifying glass. So, I asked my wife if I could borrow her handbag mirror to show the students as the turning method

was very similar to Steve’s Dad’s magnifying glass surround. However, I discovered that after 40 years PVA glue loses its stick and had to get the glue gun out as we do today in order to fix the back into its rebate.

A Life of Woodworking

The first time it reappeared was when I went to college to train as a teacher three or four years later. It was the early 80s and I was the youngest student on my course. All the others were middle aged men whose careers in industry had ended abruptly.

I told the students the history of the handbag mirror and went back to my first teaching experience on video all those years ago. I repeated what I had said then about the difference between the handbag mirror in pear and a raw piece of pear. I talked about the time that had been invested in it; from the moment the tree was felled to the completion of the handbag mirror and finally about that unquantifiable ‘something, that every artist and craftsperson puts into everything they ever they make, ‘themselves’.

So once again last Tuesday, the students listened as attentively as they had done 35 years before and I hope they also felt my passion for woodwork and for the process of passing that passion on, known as teaching. 40 years, a craftsman & educator’s life, so far, in one object.

A minimum of a year later we removed those planks and so the process of designing an artefact began. What emerged from that process nearly 40 years ago now, is the simple circular handbag mirror which sat on my Mum’s dressing table and never in her handbag. This same mirror would reappear again and again throughout my life as a craftsman/ educator. It has experienced various abuses and repairs over the intervening 40 years.

Online learning

Get Back into Work

Get to grips with modern recruitment practices The course will include hints and tips on bringing your CV up to scratch, using Social Media to effectively sell yourself, participating in a digital interview, and preparing a digital presentation. To take part in this online course you must have internet access and a device that can be used to send and receive information and activities. A camera and working audio will allow you to fully engage with the course. • Digital Presentation skills • CV Preparation

Free

online workshops available all year round!

Improve your employment prospects to get back into work or move into a new job opportunity. How do I get a job in a changing world?

To take part in this online course you must have internet access and a device that can be used to send and receive information and activities. A camera and working audio will allow you to fully engage with the course. • Facts on Essex

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• Digital presence • Digital interviews • Courses for personal development

Now let’s get the job

The course will be hands on to support you with hints and tips to research vacancies through different sources and in a variety of employment sectors, identify your own USP (Unique Selling Point) and how you can recognise your transferable and life skills that will enable you to move into a new job role.

• Using Social Media

COMMUNITY & FAMILY LEARNING

You will part complete an application to highlight your transferable skills and practice writing strong supporting statements. You will create a short application video and look at how you can effectively use feedback. To take part in this online course you must have internet access and a device that can be used to send and receive information and activities. A camera and working audio will allow you to fully engage with the course.

Embedding your transferable skills in an application form and an interview • Making CV and application form stand out in digital age

• What’s your USP (Unique Selling Point)

• Applying via Social Media Channels

• Transferable skills – how to identify your transferable skills/ life experience

• Writing a killer intro/ speculative email • Online presentation

• Job searches

• Dealing with feedback

If you are a parent, grandparent or carer for a child or young person living in Essex we have support for you. Majority of our courses are delivered live, in real time, in an online classroom while others are available in partnerships with schools and community venues following strict, current COVID guidelines. We work in partnership with schools, early years settings, community organisations and partners that support families. We aim to give adults the tools and confidence to inspire and motivate the children they care for and help build a productive community ethos. If you’re interested in enrolling on a course, please visit aclessex.com/community-familylearning-online, contact lifelong.learning@essex.gov.uk or call 01206 931 933. 21

Online learning

Thinking about enrolling on an online course but not sure what it might be like? Here’s a look at five benefits of online learning.

ACL Essex offers a range of online learning courses and workshops in a variety of curriculum areas. Please browse our website to see courses that may interest you! n you think 1. It is more interactive tha

Online learning does not have to be isolating, many online courses can offer features that let you, as a learner, engage with other students as well as your tutors. Online learning environments, or video conference applications can offer opportunities for video calling, text chat and discussions. So, just like in-person classes, online learning can be a great way of meeting new people who have similar interests as you. h others 2. You can explore ideas wit

Using discussion boards allows you to articulate and discuss your ideas and questions in a way that is not possible with ‘live’ communication. This can be beneficial as it gives you the time and space to think about how you might contribute without any pressure, whilst providing you with all the information that you can read again at your leisure. Remember to make use of your peers and any online discussion boards that are made available to you. 3. It fits into your life

Flexibility is probably one of the key benefits of online learning. You can fit your learning around your daily commitments and complete work at your own pace outside of the scheduled

Online learning

five BENEFITS OF ONLINE LEARNING

sessions. Enjoy the freedom to complete work when best suits you – be it 6am or 11pm! Be sure that you engage with activities and make a note of any deadlines so that you do not fall behind. and resources 4. Revisit recorded sessions

You can make use and access resources put together by your tutors 24/7. This comes with the added benefit of allowing you to go back over content that you may have found tricky, allowing you to make the most of your tutor’s excellent subject knowledge over and over again! Some sessions may even have been recorded and uploaded to the virtual learning environment – make sure you take advantage of this whilst revising! 5. Learn by doing!

Many online learning courses will set work for you to complete independently and then ask you to come together or to send in the work for feedback. This way of learning allows you to acquire knowledge by doing and can help to increase your engagement and knowledge retention! To participate in these courses, learners will need a laptop or PC with webcam and microphone, internet connection with Google Chrome browser, an email address and be able to access websites. Don’t have the equipment? talk to us about our learner support funds which might enable you to access a laptop and wifi free of charge whilst you study with us - aclessex.com/fundingsupport

If you are thinking of starting an online learning course keep these five points in mind – and happy learning!

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This article was written by Abbie, who is part of our Creative and Cultural Learning Team. She has been delivering online courses since April and regularly records and uploads free tutorials for her learners.

Success Stories

Success stories

We caught up with Toni, a former student at ACL, who after successfully completing her GCSE English enrolled onto an Access to Higher Education course. She has now been accepted into University and looks forward to reaching her career goals.

“I am a single parent to two young children. At the time of the course they were 2 and 5. But I am lucky enough to have family close by to help out with childcare. I would often read my book and course work to my youngest child, she wouldn’t understand what I was talking about, but it helped me understand the topics and allowed me to see where in my assignments I went wrong so I could fix it.” Having struggled at school due to her dyslexia, Toni found English hard. She sat her GCSE English exam three times while at school and had not managed to get a higher than a D. She didn’t believe that a University degree was achievable. However it was apparent to Toni that as she grew up and had children, she had developed new ways of managing her learning. “Being a mature student has allowed me to understand my own requirements and figure my best way of learning. An example would be using words that are harder to spell. Being older, 24

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“You will make lifelong friends. Adults who are all in the same or similar position as you, trying to better themselves for their family.” It’s never too late to achieve your goals. Whether it’s a bad school experience, feeling as though you’re not ready, or even unsure about what you want to do, there are always other options available to you to achieve your goals – ACL are here to support you. Toni’s experiences during her GCSE and Access to Higher Education course are testament to this. We wish her all the best in her studies at University and achieving her goals.

I have definitely made some lifelong friends on this course, we have all branched off into different degrees and universities but we have all supported each other hugely throughout and continuing into the next stages.

Success stories

Don’t Let A Bad School Grade Define You

“I would recommend this Access course and ACL to anyone that is thinking about applying. It makes you think about the world in a different way, and helps with study skills for University. ACL is an establishment dedicated to teaching adults, rather than a college which is geared towards school leavers.

Tutor Supports exam Students my vocabulary is much wider than when I was 16. I have been able to use different words and phrases that are easier to spell.” After enrolling on her GCSE course, Toni applied for the Access to Higher Education course. However, she decided that it might be best to apply directly to University without doing the Access course. Unfortunately (or fortunately in her case) the application fell through and Toni made the decision to continue her studies with ACL once she has passed her GCSE. “I am actually really glad that it all fell through, as I feel the Access course has really helped me to get back into learning and will help me academically. ” There are many different routes into higher education which are not always seen as conventional but offer the same opportunities. In Toni’s case, it allowed her to explore different topics and discover what she wanted to do as a career.

Last year, some of our Accounting students had their AAT exam at ACL Brentwood. Tutor Joanne bought some lovely balloons and waited outside to wish all her student good luck.

“I wanted my students to smile going into an exam for which they were prepared, but really nervous about, not least as they had done most of the work online during lockdown, their course started just two weeks prior to the centre closing. My favourite sentence in class or perhaps my favourite nag is “read the question” ... it seemed appropriate.” Joanne , Accounting Tutor Joanne began her teaching career at ACL in 2011. She always works in London in a Finance team but has a love teaching and says ‘it is the one of the best things in my world’. We would like to wish all our students good luck in their future studies and hope they gain amazing results!

Success stories

My learning has made a massive difference to my mental and physical health. I have an improved sense of self-esteem. I have a job that I want to get up and go to in the morning and I contribute to my household income. I am more motivated than I have ever been. Naomi, Award winner

An inspirational woman who overcame the odds and returned to learning, has been recognised as a finalist in the national Festival of Learning.

Naomi – 27 – is now working in a barbershop three days a week, while continuing her studies. Alongside her employment and studies, she also volunteers with a local charity, providing free haircuts to people living with dementia.

Naomi left school with no formal qualifications, and she had struggled to hold down any form of work. She felt that her conditions – including ADHD, autism and dyslexia – had held her back from achieving her potential.

Returning to learning has transformed Naomi’s life. She feels much more confident and hopeful and is working towards opening a barbershop of her own in the future.

With the help of her support worker – and driven by her desire to become a barber – Naomi identified a course with ACL Essex. She has excelled since returning to learning, gaining a number of qualifications, and improving her skills. 26

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“Naomi’s starting point is far removed from where she is now, and her future possibilities are endless. Her story shows what it is possible to achieve in a short space of time with the right attitude.” Tania, Naomi’s tutor

Success stories

ACL Learner Recognised In s d r a w A l a n io t Na

Naomi has been announced as one of six finalists in the Festival of Learning 2020 awards. Organised by Learning and Work Institute, and supported by the Department for Education, Festival of Learning is an annual campaign which aims both to celebrate the power of learning to transform lives, and to encourage more adults to take part. “Naomi’s story is a great example of how, with the right support – learning can build both your skills and confidence – helping people to transform their lives. We wish Naomi every success in continuing her learning.” Stephen, chief executive of Learning and Work Institute

BARBERING & HAIRDRESSING COURSES WITH ACL • professional salon experience • practise on real-life clients • learn innovative techniques • be inspired by those around you • retrain at any age • funding for these courses could be available

We offer: • Non-accredited creative courses for all levels that take place all over Essex

“Our professional hairdressing and barbering courses take place in working salons within our centres. Whilst learning new skills, our students are introduced to the importance of customer service, client interaction and how to run a successful professional salon.” Tania, ACL Hairdressing Tutor

• Level 2 and 3 Barbering courses take place at Brentwood and Colchester • Level 2 and 3 Hairdressing courses take place at Brentwood, Colchester, Harwich and Witham (Maltings Academy) Before you can enrol on a Level 2 or 3 hairdressing & barbering course, we will meet with you to complete an assessment and discuss which course is most suitable. Assessments can be booked by calling 0345 603 7635.

aclessex.com/hairdressing-barbering 27

Congratulation

Learning in lockdown:

GCSE

We’re incredibly proud of our GCSE learners who achieved outstanding results this year. Even though this has not been the year everyone thought it would be, our students continued to work hard up until when their exam would have taken place. A few of our learners kindly shared some of their experiences with us!

“30 years on from originally taking my maths GCSE (achieving an E,) which was my lowest grade, I decided to give it another go. The tutor was great, offering lots of support and encouragement. I went on to achieve a level 5! Something I believed was not possible. Can’t thank them enough.” Carla “In doing the course I am now much more confident when helping my children and as a result of it, their maths has also improved. My tutor was very helpful and gave me the opportunity to ask for help during lessons. He was also only an email away if I needed help at home. I would encourage others to do this course because it’s an amazing feeling when you get the results you have always wanted.” Julie 28

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“I enrolled with ACL in 2018/2019 because work asked that I brush up on my English to enhance my communications skills. At first, I felt daunted at the prospect. I had not participated in any formal English qualification for over 36 years. However, after speaking to my friend, we decided to enrol together. My friend also wanted to enrol so she could start her new career path which she had yearned to do for many years. “We both really enjoyed our English course, finding our tutor and fellow students supportive and friendly. Upon completing our English GCSE, which we both passed, my friend then required Mathematics. Being the supportive friend that I am I enrolled for 2019/2020 with her. Mathematics is a major part of my day to day job role, it made sense to brush up on the subject, knowing we would stick together and finish this part of our journey together and pass. I am delighted to say yet again, we both did.

Learning in Lockdown

Success Stories

s to all students !

“After two consecutive years studying at ACL I will be having a break for the next term, but I know that I will study again with ACL, this is because I find the tutors friendly, encouraging, and supportive which makes for a lovely adult learning environment. “Gaining additional qualifications will only improve your work and life skills. Should anyone be unsure if they want to study at ACL, my advice would be study with a friend. Studying together is great you can encourage and support each other when needed along with the support and encouragement from your fellow students and tutors you will succeed.” Carol

“All us students in the class on that first day were a little nervous as it had been a while since most of us had studied, our tutor was friendly and welcoming from the beginning putting us at ease. The support, encouragement and advice we received from each other, and our tutor during the course was amazing. Pleased to say that both Carol and I passed with a good grade. “Based on my experience with ACL and my results I am now about to start college to do an Access to Higher Education diploma for Health Professions then I will be off to university to become a midwife. My dream is finally coming true thanks to ACL.” Sam

English & Maths GCSE

Highest pass rate in Essex Adult education funded providers (academic year 18/19) 29

Learning in Lockdown

• Introduction to Science (personal development course) • GCSE Biology & GCSE Chemistry • GCSE Computer Science • GCSE English (including FastTrack, Online and Intensive)

They will give you the opportunity to progress onto further study, such as Access to Higher Education courses. The national league tables for GCSEs were released in April 2020 and ACL Essex celebrated another year of outstanding results.

ACL Essex

are the only Essex adult education public funded provider to teach and offer the Higher Maths GCSE.

The data is published on gov.uk at the beginning of April every year for the previous academic year.

• GCSE Maths (including FastTrack, Online and Intensive)

ACL Essex

These courses will enable you to achieve a GCSE in your chosen subject. They will support you to improve your career prospects and also allow you to build up your own personal skills.

ACL Essex

ranked 3rd for grade 9 – 4 English GCSEs in the country out of all adult education public funded providers.

had the highest GCSE grade 9 – 4 pass rate in Essex (Maths: 70%, English: 83%) out of all adult education public funded providers.

ACL Essex

had the highest number of Grade 9 – 4 Maths GCSEs in the country out of all adult education public funded providers.

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had the highest overall GCSE pass rate in Essex (Maths: 98.6%, English: 97.2%) out of all adult education public funded providers.

Learning in Lockdown

ACL offers the following courses online and at locations across Essex:

Learning that fits into your life Vicky & Sonia, English & Maths Team, ACL Essex “There are so many reasons why someone would enrol on an English and maths course. Whether you’re looking to help your children with homework, strengthen your ability to put forward a well written argument, or gain the confidence to write and present a speech at your daughter’s wedding (yes, this is a real example from one of our past learners) our courses and tutors are here to support you.”

Stephanie’s Story One of our very own tutors, Stephanie, began her journey at ACL by passing her maths GCSE. She then went on to complete her teacher training before coming back to ACL to help others who were in a similar situation to her. “The great thing about our English and Maths courses are that we fit them around YOUR lifestyle. Whether it’s morning, afternoon, evening or online, we have courses at a time and pace that suits you. “Over the years, we have been amazed to see not only the English and Maths skills develop within our learners but also their confidence, friendships and ambition. “We really are proud of the team and learners that we have and can’t wait to see what the next year holds.”

Success stories

A-Levels Aren’t The Only Option

“I would definitely recommend the Social Science course. Every session was interesting and I always went home with food for thought that helped further my interest into the subjects/topics.” Emily, Former ACL student

We caught up with Emily, a former student at ACL, who is currently studying Psychology at the University of Durham after having recently passed her Social Science Access to Higher Education course at ACL. Emily has hopes to become a Clinical Psychologist after she completes her post-graduate studies.

“I have enjoyed studying psychology for a long time and over this period I think a lot of my personal interests also relate to academic interests. I enjoy listening to podcasts and watching documentaries based around psychology. My learning aspirations are to achieve my degree in undergraduate psychology, and hopefully continue my studies at a postgraduate level.”

“Throughout school students are taught that A levels are the be-all and end-all to getting into university, but me and all the other ACL Access to HE students are proof that conventional routes are not always the best option and that you can achieve more than you ever thought possible by doing what is right for you.”

Unfortunately, it wasn’t a straightforward experience for Emily achieving her goals throughout Secondary School due to unforeseen circumstances. However, there are many ways into University and options available, including Access to Higher Education courses. Thankfully Emily chose ACL to support her in her studies and help her achieve her goals.

After achieving nine GCSE’s at A-C in Secondary School, Emily moved onto A-levels where she struggled with poor mental health and was unable to take her exams. Sometimes for reasons out of our control, barriers appear and get in the way of our education. Fortunately, Emily was able to overcome them and continue to pursue her ambitions.

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Access to Higher Education

“I took a break from education for a couple of years and decided I wanted to go to university, and upon exploring the different routes I could take to get there, Access to HE seemed to be the best option for me (and it was!) I was taught at school/sixth form that A levels are the be-all and end-all to get into university, however I have achieved more than I think I probably would have at A level with my Access to HE diploma.” There many different routes into higher education which are not always seen as conventional but offer the same opportunities. Our Access to Higher Education courses gave Emily the second chance she needed to prepare her for further study at university. “I chose to study at ACL because it was the best option for me to achieve the necessary qualifications to get into university following a difficult time for me. It was definitely the right decision and I have achieved more with my Access to HE diploma than I probably would have at conventional routes to university.

Studying at ACL was a really positive experience as a whole and I feel I have grown a lot as a student since studying there. I learnt new skills that I will definitely be applying to my degree and I definitely feel prepared and well equipped for higher education. If you’re passionate about a subject but fail to achieve what you wanted during school, there are always other options available to you to achieve your goals. Emily’s experiences during higher education are testament to this. We wish her all the best in her studies at University and achieving her goals. 33

Success Stories

Success stories

Trusting Mind A poem by David Ethical framework for the counselling professions A skilful introduction to counselling sessions With open arms, you gave us your trust Your care and attention were never unjust From thought to feelings to the way we are perceiving Our bodily actions are impermanent reactions Laid bare on your table for eyes to see Psychoanalysis, CBT, Client-Centred therapy Three levels of diversity unify a timeless present reality Breathing harmony working in unity Knowledge to free complex divided human society To focus our attention on one humanity Freedom for all internally

David has now studied the Counselling Introduction Course which is a 10 week course introducing counselling theory and skills. Since completing the course David has now progressed to the Level 2 accredited Counselling Skills Course which runs for one year and teaches counselling communication skills and explores helping relationships. David intends on continuing with his training and would like to continue to Level 4 and beyond. A friend suggested that David train to be a counsellor as he has a natural ability to listen and help others. As David trusts his friend, he believed in what he was told and looked for a counselling introduction course. Since David has been attending the course, he has enjoyed every minute of his learning and feels like he is on a journey in discovering himself and learning new skills. At the time David wrote the poem, he said that the words he wrote came fluently and easily. David is enjoying the Level 2 and he is developing and growing in confidence and ability. David thoroughly enjoys the course and is integrating his learning into his current knowledge and awareness of self. David is also new to studying online and he is growing in confidence in working virtually and interactively.

At the end of last year, Gateway Qualifications announced the winner of the inaugural Access to Higher Education Tutor of the Year Awards 2020. We are delighted to have received tutor nominations for our centres and so incredibly proud of our tutors for the way they continue to inspire so many people in Essex to reach their learning goals. Gateway Qualifications has extended a special congratulations to Matthew, ACL Essex Access to HE tutor on his nominations. Matthew was nominated for Access to Higher Education Tutor of the Year Awards 2020.

Competition was extremely high and we received some truly heart-warming, awe inspiring and inspirational comments from Access to HE students. Gateway Qualifications

Congratulations to Matthew and the other nominees, you have such an inspiring positive impact on people’s lives. 34

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Success stories

david finds his counselling calling

Tutor receives deserved recognition “Matt teaches us in a way that encourages discussions from differing viewpoints and having these in-depth discussions help retain the information being relayed. The structure of his lessons are also helpful and the use of a variety of teaching methods helps engage us in what we are learning. Overall a very good tutor that makes lessons fun whilst still being intellectually stimulating.” Emily ACL Essex Access to HE Learner

“It is lovely to find out that Matthew was nominated by our Access to HE learners and whilst he may not have won the accolade from Gateway, he has won in my eyes!” Emma Curriculum Lead at ACL Essex

We would like to hear about your experiences and how our tutors have inspired you succeed in education or your career. Please get in touch and you could even win a free course! – lifelong.learning@essex.gov.uk 35

Amazing Apprentices

This photo was taken before Covid-19 social distancing rules were in place.

celebrating Apprenticeship

Success “Throughout the year I attended several lessons at ACL Basildon. I have learnt different techniques and tools used within a business environment which I could apply in my daily role. The constant support from my tutors, Helen and Lorraine has helped me. Without this I could have easily lost focus and track of what I needed to get done.

Wade “I started with Essex County Council in February 2019 as a Business Support Assistant in the file and data team, and I quickly settled into the team and managed to learn all the tasks very quickly. “In May 2019, I spoke with my line manager about the possibility of enrolling on the ‘Business Administrator – L3’ apprenticeship. My line manager fully supported this and contacted ACL to get me enrolled. I had my initial meeting with my assessor and she explained exactly what the apprenticeship would consist of. She gave me all the tools and access I would need to gain the qualification. 36

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“In December 2019 a Business Centre Manager (BCM) secondment job opportunity was advertised and I applied for this as I felt it was time to push myself and progress within Essex County Council. I was successful in my application and was offered the BCM position following a series of interviews, which I swiftly accepted.”

The skills I have learnt throughout my time on the apprenticeship with ACL has prepared me to be able to progress within my organisation and feel confident in doing so. I am on course to finish my Business Administrator L3 qualification this year. I am hoping to do this with the best possible mark.

Holly We caught up with Impamark to see the fantastic progress their apprentice Holly has made. Holly started with Impamark in September 2017 and completed the Level 2 Business & Administration Apprenticeship in September 2018 with Distinction. She then started her Level 3 in January 2019 and completed it in March 2020, again with Distinction. Her dedication and hard work were recognised, and she won Apprentice of the Year in 2018 and was also runner up for Apprentice of the Year in 2019. This same year, Impamark were awarded Employer of the Year. Nicky, Managing Director of Impamark said, “Since completing her apprenticeship, Holly has a full-time position with the company in a Digital Marketing & Sales Support role. Despite the lockdown this year, the company has continued to work throughout, as we began selling PPE in March. Holly has been instrumental in building a PPE website which went live in May 2020. Most recently she has been working on a new Regimental website for Impamark which went live at the beginning of September.

“Holly worked extremely hard during her apprenticeships and is now an integral part of the company and team member. She is a huge asset to Impamark and a success story for ACL.”

“Holly is now an integral part of the company. “In addition, she runs all the company’s social media – Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest. The company appointed a social media advisor in March and Holly has been working closely with him to improve our digital footprint and gain new followers and engagements. This has proven to be extremely successful and the company is moving forward with a new website for their promotional merchandise market.” We would like to congratulate Holly on all she has achieved, we’re very proud to see her continue to develop her skills and flourish. We wish her all the luck and success in the future.

Leon joined the ACL Commercial team as a Business Administration Apprentice and has been supporting the Business Development team to engage with businesses, learners, and organisations to promote ACL opportunities.

How have you found the apprenticeship during Covid? Starting my first apprenticeship from home has been hard, I haven’t had the experience of working in an office building. However, it hasn’t been as hard as I thought it would be because I still communicate with my team daily and everyone provides support to me if I need it. Communication is not a problem and it is nice not having to commute to work every morning! We’re very lucky with technology that we can work remotely, and I am very grateful that ACL has provided me the technology to be able to work from home. For me, the only thing missing is not seeing people physically in the workplace or in a classroom. 38

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Apprenticeship information sessions We host free online information sessions every month for those interested in an apprenticeship and employers looking to recruit or upskill their staff. If you are interested in signing up to a session, please visit

www.aclessex.com/apprenticeship-events

Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship? I decided to start an apprenticeship because I didn’t feel ready for a full-time business role. I wanted to learn all about the industry and gain work experience at the same time. I made the right decision because I have learnt so much just within my first couple of months including Microsoft Office, emailing, attending and contributing in meeting and promoting ACL. I am very grateful for this Apprenticeship experience ACL has provided me.

Amazing Apprentices

LEON’S APPRENTICESHIP SUCCESS STORY

What are your career goals? What would you like to do after your apprenticeships? When I started my apprenticeship, I didn’t fully know what I wanted to be and do as a career. So, I came in wanting to learn all about business and marketing. The great thing about this apprenticeship is the fact I’m seeing and learning all different job roles within the industry, and what each person does for the company. My manager is also allowing me to work with different teams in different departments, so I get the full experience of participating in different tasks.

What would you say to someone who may be thinking about starting an apprenticeship? I think people should start apprenticeships! I continue to learn new things each day. I’m glad I chose an apprenticeship because I’m gaining qualifications as well as working. You don’t have anything to lose, only experience and knowledge to gain! It’s the perfect time to start one.

Apprenticeships are for EVERYONE They can help you succeed, no matter your previous experience, age or career prospects. I found my passion

I was able to change my career

I achieved a promotion

I found my dream job

I am now doing what I love

I developed my career

To find out how an apprenticeship can help you succeed, please visit aclessex.com/apprentices or call 01206 932 446 39

Time to Celebrate

We are so proud to have such a passionate community at ACL that shows tremendous support for one another. We host an award ceremony every year to celebrate our learner achievements; individuals who have made outstanding progress in their learning, overcome personal barriers, and for being a true inspiration to others. Unfortunately, we were unable to hold anything in person this year, however we will be announcing the date and categories of the ACL Awards 2021 over the coming weeks.

To celebrate the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale and the 50th anniversary of Adult Social Care Services becoming part of the Local Authority, Essex County Council is proud to launch the Nightingale Bursary.

Courses include:

The bursary will fully fund courses for existing care employees who are not eligible or suitable for an apprenticeship and would normally have to pay towards their training. This bursary is suitable for those employees looking to gain formal accreditation to support their role or improve their skills in the Health & Social Care sector.

• Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Leadership & Management (Care)

Further details can be found on our website. You can apply online or request an application form by emailing acl.businessdevelopment@essex.gov.uk or calling 03330 139502.

Celebrating Time to Celebrate Carers

ACL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

THE Nightingale Bursary • Level 2&3 Diplomas in Health & Social Care • Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care • Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services

• Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Technology Enabled Care • Level 2 Certificate in Infection Control • Level 2 Certificate in Safe Handling of Medication

CELEBRATING CARERS To celebrate Florence Nightingale’s 200th Birthday and to recognise all the incredible people working in healthcare, our tutors shared a range of fun activities to raise funds in support of the NHS charities.

If you are currently studying with us, you can nominate a fellow learner or member of staff by visiting www.aclessex.com/acl-awards-2021 40

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Ways To Improve Your Health & Wellbeing

Take each daily activity one step at a time, get yourself a self-care routine. It might feel good writing out a 20+ To Do list, however if you only complete a few tasks you may feel snowed under in things you need to do. This can lead to feeling unmotivated. So we suggest to only write a short to do list for each day, this way you can focus on just a few tasks and end up feeling positive for accomplishing everything you set out for the day. Just don’t forget it’s important to rest too.

www.mind.org.uk

Here at ACL we offer free health and well-being courses to help you improve your mental wellbeing. We have put together 10 tips to help you to stay positive.

Drink lots of water

Aside from keeping our bodies hydrated, healthy and can even contribute to losing weight. Drinking water keeps our brain hydrated, this means the brain doesn’t have to struggle through dehydration, allowing us to think much more clearly.

Exercise Daily

It is found that exercise also releases happy hormones such as Endorphins and serotoninexercise also gets you out, helping feelings of loneliness and anxiety and kick starting your social life.

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Do something you’re good at

Participating in hobbies and fun activities can help beat stress, reduce anxiety and boosts your self-esteem. Expressing yourself creatively by painting a picture, playing a musical instrument, or cooking a meal can help you improve your mental health.

Write it down

Keep a daily journal write down 3 things you’ve achieved each day. Keeping a journal of daily tasks, meals and moods can be a great way of finding out triggers, and also being able to get all your feelings and emotions out and onto a page, and offloading them from your head. Also it’s so integral to celebrate your achievements and boost your positive thinking, today may have been a hard day but look what I still achieved!

Call someone you love

When you feel lonely, call someone you love. This can sometimes be the only therapy you need - it could be your best friend, partner, mum or sibling. But it will just reinforce that you are NOT ALONE. There is also plenty of charities with helplines for when you don’t feel like talking to a loved one, they offer a listening ear and zero judgment.

LOVE YOURSELF

Enrol on one of our free health & wellbeing courses!

Eat well

Eat some of the following: avocado, blueberries, broccoli and dark chocolate– these are just a handful of foods that are said to boost energy and mood! Just remember everything in moderation and that a balanced diet is a healthy one.

YOGA

Yoga is a great exercise for relieving symptoms of anxiety or depression. It focuses on breathing techniques that you can take away with you for everyday use - it helps with pain, high stress levels and trouble sleeping. It may not be for everyone but you won’t know until you try.

Did you know, 1 in 4 of us will experience mental illness every year.

Self Care

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Visit aclessex.com

10 Ask for help Just remember it’s okay to ask for help, it’s okay to start again, it’s okay to say No, it’s okay to rest and it’s okay not to be okay.

All our tutors and existing customers are super friendly, it’s also a great start to meeting likeminded people. Remember you are NOT alone. 43

Online Wellbeing experience

Student Shares g in e b l l e W e in l On Experiences

We caught up with a student at ACL, Claire who has completed a number of our online Mental Health and Wellbeing courses.

“Today another student commented on my experience and she said it helped her a lot which made me feel better.”

Claire has recently shared her ‘lockdown’ experiences on Epilepsy.org, highlighting the benefits of our wellbeing courses compared to traditional counselling and how they have personally helped her connect with others and feel motivated to explore further self-development opportunities.

We are so glad that Claire has shared her experiences and is finding it rewarding being a student at ACL. Thank you for helping others understand that they are not alone in their experiences and there is non-traditional support out there that could work for them.

“I would like to share my recent discovery. Ever since my husband started working from home due to the Coronavirus lockdown my seizures have reduced significantly. Having him with me throughout the day has been reassuring for my safety. I want to know whether my seizures are mainly associated with my mental health, such as anxiety. For me, traditional counselling made me feel like a patient who struggled to think positive or recover. I’ve started doing virtual wellbeing courses with the ACL Essex. Interacting with others has been social and educational for me. It has improved my mental health and kept me stimulated and motivated for self-improvement.”

www.aclessex.com

At ACL Essex, the majority of our courses we offer are delivered LIVE online with full support from our qualified specialist Tutors. Sessions can be accessed remotely at home, with full support from our technical team if needed. Claire shares her online learning experiences at ACL so far: “I’ve felt comfortable with the tutors who have taught me so far. They have been happy to rehash over parts where I may not have completely understood. I like their presentation sheets that are shown on screen. I’ve given them feedback as to layout and using pictures and various colours helps break up the text.” “I am more proud to call myself a student rather than a patient.” Claire has completed a number of Wellbeing courses recently and has plans to complete many more.

I find traditional counselling very counter-productive. Rehashing bad memories makes it harder to let go and move on. Doing classes is educational, social and fun. I am more proud to call myself a student rather than a patient. Claire, ACL student 45

Local Park art competition The great outdoors

Be inspired by your local Essex parks and send in your photography and artwork. This could be anything from a wildlife portrait, a picturesque photograph you have taken, or a landscape drawing of your favourite view.

DISCOVERING THE Benefits of Exploring Essex Country Parks

You will be in with a chance of winning some great prizes, including a free art course, vouchers, and other goodies. What’s more the winning entry will be published on the ACL website and in our Summer magazine.

PARK LIFE Essex County Council owned Country Parks are remaining open during the third National Lockdown for the benefit of local communities. The parks – Belhus Woods, Cudmore Grove, Danbury, Great Notley, Hadleigh, Marsh Farm, Thorndon and Weald – and some facilities remain open. It’s now more important than ever to look after your mental health. If you’re looking to boost your mood and wellbeing during these uncertain times, make sure you get out of the house for a daily walk and enjoy the surprising benefits of exercising in green spaces. • The quiet, traffic-free atmosphere in the park can improve your mental health by promoting relaxation and boosting your wellbeing. Studies show that spending as little as 20 minutes in the park is enough to boost your wellbeing and improve your life satisfaction. • Getting outdoors can reduce fatigue by boosting vitamin D levels, helping you to feel more alert and refreshed. Thus, improving your concentration levels and productivity. • Exercise improves your physical health. Did you know it can reduce your risk of certain diseases, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, by up to 30%? Exercise, even just a gentle walk, can build your muscle strength and increase your fitness levels. 46

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The great outdoors

Here at ACL, we love to discover new talent and celebrate it. We want everyone to share their experiences, you never know, you may inspire others to pursue their passions!

How to enter Please send your name, email address, phone number and attached entry to acl.nostoppingme@essex.gov.uk Competition closing date: 12 April 2021. • A trip to the park can help you beat those winter blues! Exercise and fresh air can increase your serotonin levels which, in turn, can boost your mood and self-esteem.

Get out there! Discover more benefits here: www.explore-essex.com/blog/6-surprisingbenefits-of-going-to-the-park-in-winter If you live locally to one of the Essex Country Parks, find out more and plan your visit here: www.explore-essex.com/places-to-go/our-parksand-places Please check the Explore Essex website www.explore-essex.com - for the latest information and to plan your visit. We ask all visitors to stay local, ensure you maintain a safe social distance from anyone outside of your household and follow government guidelines. Don’t forget to follow Explore Essex on social media:

@exploressex

@exploreessex

Studies show that spending as little as 20 minutes in the park is enough to boost your wellbeing and improve your life satisfaction. 47

Supporting our community

ACL Charity Of The Year Proud supporters

Last year, our staff voted for Alzheimer’s Society as the 2020/2021 ACL Charity of the year. Although all charities are deserving, we wanted to focus on one charity each year to maximise the support and fundraising opportunities for this charity. By 2021, over 1 million people in the UK will be living with dementia. Alzheimer’s Society is the only UK charity focused on addressing the growing dementia crisis from all sides. Please check our website for more information about how we are supporting the efforts to raise awareness and funds for the charity.

Gifts for the elderly ACL Supported Learning learners have been working hard to support the elderly community in Colchester who are supported by Age Concern by making handmade gifts and planting spring bulbs. The Employability Retail class at ACL Colchester have been making bags, cards and putting together gifts for those in the community who need it the most. The class wanted to increase positivity in these difficult times and reach those who may be isolated within the community during the festive period. One of the learners, Bryn, said “I made a box with some nice things in for an elderly man to make him happy.” Many of the Employability Horticulture class have also been planting spring bulbs for the community so that will be able to enjoy them when spring comes. One of these learners, Jessica, said “We had fun planting the daffodil pots and wrapping them up. It will make the people happy.”

ACL Witham Awarded Dementia Friendly Status

“How inspiring it is for the younger generation to want to do something to for the older generation, multi-generational working is key in these difficult times.”

Alzheimer Society state that ‘A dementia-friendly community is a city, town or village where people with dementia are understood, respected and supported. In a dementia-friendly community people will be aware of and understand dementia, so that people with dementia can continue to live in the way they want to and in the community they choose.’

This is a fantastic achievement and we would like to thank and congratulate all of those who made this possible For more information, visit the Alzheimer’s Society website: www.alzheimers.org.uk

Christine Dementia Team Leader at Age Concern

Our Supported Learning students continue to support the community, young and old.

www.aclessex.com

Connecting over a cuppa

Opportunity to give back

Join us for virtual

develop YOUR confidence, organisational, and communication skills WHILST HELPING TO MAKE ACL EVEN BETTER!

afternoon tea

We would like to invite our learners to take part in our virtual Afternoon Tea! This online session will be held on Microsoft Teams on Fridays, every fortnight, at 2:00-3:00 and is available to all ACL learners.

Dates •

26th March 2:00-3:00

Our afternoon tea is a place to socialise, meet other learners, ask some questions, and find some information about wellbeing and our provision.

•

9th April 2:00-3:00

•

23rd April 2:00-3:00

•

7th May 2:00-3:00

We would encourage you to join us with your cup of tea and tell us how you feel, what your plans are or just to have a chat with us!

You can find the link to this session in ‘Your Wellbeing’ area on VLE or please ask your tutor for more information. If you are interested in taking part but are not currently learning with us, please contact lifelong.learning@essex.gov.uk

Join our

LEARNER FORUM

If you are a learner enrolled on a course with ACL, or an employer involved with ACL then you can apply. We are looking for members who reflect the diversity of our learner group. So, whatever your age or experience we’d really like to hear from you. The Learner Forum is the best opportunity for our learners to share their ideas about what ACL is doing well, how we can improve and what new things we should be thinking about.

What will the Learner Forum do? • Provide opportunities for learners to make suggestions of what could go into learning programmes • Help staff analyse and act on information from learner surveys and participation reports • Enable learners to meet and share experiences and ideas with other learners, and with staff • Enable learners to express their concerns and ensure that Adult Learning responds appropriately to the issues that are raised • Help ensure accessibility by road testing evaluation forms, systems and changes in policy etc. • Provide an ongoing consultation role for ACL staff and our Governing Body.

www.aclessex.com

How often does the forum meet? As a member of the Forum member you would be expected to attend up to four meetings during the year. Whilst our centres have limited opening these meetings will be held online via MS Teams. As a learner we can provide you with Office 365 to access this on your own devices.

Who attends the meetings? In addition to Learner Forum members, meetings are attended as needed by members of the leadership teams and other ACL staff, depending on the meeting agenda.

What are the benefits of forum membership? Taking part in a learner forum is a great way to develop confidence, organisational, and communication skills. It is a voluntary role, and experience as a forum member will enhance your CV. Additionally, you will be able to make a positive contribution to the development of ACL’s service.

How do I join? If you would be interested in joining the ACL Learner Forum or require further information please contact lifelong.learning@essex.gov.uk or call 03330 139227. 51

Make the most of the coast

Easter and the Beach 25th March | 12:30-14:30

Find out where to visit to celebrate Easter. Which coastal towns are visited by the Easter bunny. Discover activities and places to visit.

Dinosaurs and Fossils in Essex 6th May | 12:30-14:30

Dinosaurs were in Essex. Find out where to look for evidence. Discover the best locations to find fossils and teeth! Learn how to find and identify fossils.

Coastal Science Experiments

Online sessions connecting your family with our coast and estuaries. Discover fun thing to do and places to visit for your next weekend adventure! For parents, grandparents and children of all ages.

20th May | 12:30-14:30

The beach offers some fabulous opportunities to conduct experiments. Learn about which experiments work best at the beach and where in Essex to conduct them.

Wellbeing at the Coast 27th May | 12:30-14:30

Make the most of the coast

Connecting with our Coastline

These sessions are for parents, grandparents and children of all ages.

Support your families wellbeing this Spring at the Coast in Essex. Discover a variety of activities to do and learn the best places to visit. Packed with hints and tips to develop your wellbeing.

Summer at the Coast 10th June | 12:30-14:30

Develop your summer itinerary. Learn where to look for information about places to visit. You will discover how to make the most of your visit to the coast ensuring fun packed outings that keep the whole family happy.

Scavenger Hunt 24th June | 12:30-14:30

A chance to explore how fun a scavenger hunt can be.

Visit our website to find out more and book your place: aclessex.com/family-learning-connecting-with-our-coastline

www.aclessex.com

Discover the possibilities

FREE

“This course was amazing and I would recommend to anyone. The tutors were great and I will really miss not attending each week. It has helped me at a really tricky time in my life. Thank you”

How we support you

more than just a course

These opportunities are and can be completed alongside other courses.

We are committed to supporting our learners during and after their studies. With ACL, you don’t just enrol on a course! You gain access to a wide range of resources and support to help you develop your skills in other areas. These opportunities are FREE and can be completed alongside your course.

“My confidence in myself has grown due to completing an IT and employment course. I look forward to continuing my development with further courses”.

Get Back into Work These FREE online workshops will help you to improve your employment prospects to get back into work or move into a new job opportunity. We will support you to achieve your career goals. • How do I get a job in a changing world? • Get to grips with modern recruitment practices • Now let’s get the job

www.aclessex.com

IT Skills Get all the skills required when dealing with your computer and other devices in a home or work environment.

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Support your family

We offer the space to explore ways to improve your wellbeing and provide tools to help you navigate everyday life.

If you’re a parent, grandparent or caring for a child or young person in Essex, we have support for you.

• Building Self Confidence

• Emotional wellbeing

• Goal Setting For Wellbeing

• Understanding English & Maths

• Introduction To Building • Resilience • Managing Anxiety

• Learn about your devices

• Managing Sleep For Wellbeing

• Communicate online with family and friends

• Positive Thinking For Stress

• Feel secure browsing the internet

• Reduction

• Advice, support and guidance you need

• Self-Care For Resilience

• Family wellbeing • Parenting • Surviving as a family • Specialist workshops

Find out more by visiting aclessex.com 55

Something for everyone!

UPCOMING COURSES

Job Skills The Virtual Me 12/04 Duration: 3 week(s) Location: Online Fee: Free

Creative & Cultural Stained Glass 12/04 Duration: 4 week(s) Location: ACL Chelmsford Fee: £61 / £30.50* Salsa - An Introduction 13/04 Duration: 4 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £48.80/£24.40* Creative Writing Get Started 13/04 Duration: 10 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £122/£61* Art Virtual Tour 13/04 Duration: 4 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £48.80/£24.40* Language of Flowers 13/04 Duration: 2 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £24.40/£12.20* Photography Be Creative 14/04 Duration: 4 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £48.80/£24.40* Art And The Environment 14/04 Duration: 4 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £48.80/£24.40* 56

www.aclessex.com

Art, History and Appreciation 14/04 Duration: 5 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £61/£30.50*

Inspirational Painting with Tessa 15/04 Duration: 4 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £48.80/£24.40*

Taster Art Silk Painting 14/04 Duration: 1 week(s) Location: Online Fee: Free

Creative Writing Short Stories 15/04 Duration: 10 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £122/£61*

Taster Portrait Drawing 14/04 Duration: 1 week(s) wLocation: Online Fee: Free German Starter 14/04 Duration: 10 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £122.00/£61.00* Spanish: Daily routine 14/04 Duration: 3 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £36.60/£18.30* Cake Decorating Developing Skills 15/04 Duration: 4 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £48.80/£24.40* Taster Spanish 15/04 Duration: 1 week(s) Location: Online Fee: Free

Art Watercolour Painting 16/04 Duration: 4 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £48.80/£24.40* Music Keyboard 17/04 Duration: 4 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £48.40/24.20* Art Drawing Skills and Watercolour 15/04 Duration: 4 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £48.80/£24.40* Skills For Leading And Managing People 15/04 Duration: 4 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £73.20/£36.60*

Something for everyone!

Qualifications & Skills for Employment

ital

English, Maths, Science & Dig English Multiple dates Duration: 13 week(s) Location: multiple locations Fee: Free Maths Multiple dates Duration: 13 week(s) Location: multiple locations Fee: Free IT Coding Projects using Python 12/04 Duration: 4 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £48.80/£24.40* IT Essential Digital Skills Multiple dates Duration: 14 week(s) Location: Multiple locations Fee: Free Introduction to Cyber Security 14/04 Duration: 5 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £61/£30.50* IT Preparing for Online Learning with ACL 14/04 Duration: 2 week(s) Location: Online Fee: Free

Barbering Introduction 12/04 Duration: 4 week(s) Location: ACL Colchester Fee: £73.20 / £36.60* Woodworking Award in Creative Craft L1

Intro to Cryptography & Cryptanalysis 14/04 Duration: 5 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £61/£30.50* IT Computer Skills Using Word 14/04 Duration: 7 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £32.00/Free* Introduction to Science 15/04 Duration: 5 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £61/£30.50*

15/04 Duration: 23 week(s) Location: ACL Basildon Fee: £225

AAT Professional Diploma In Accounting

16/04 Duration: 74 week(s) Location: Online Fee: Financial support available

Dealing Positively With Redundancy

19/04 Duration: 2 week(s) Location: Online Fee: Free

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Multiple dates Duration: 12 week(s) Location: Multiple locations Fee: Provided at Assessment

Stepping Up Your Motivation

21/04 Duration: 2 week(s) Location: Online Fee: Free

IT Excel Formulas 12/05 Duration: 4 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £48.80/£24.40

*When in receipt of a means-tested benefit learners will be entitled to pay a reduced concessionary co-funded fee.

To enrol on a course, please visit ACLESSEX.com or call

0345 603 7635

To enrol on a course, please visit ACLESSEX.com or call

Support Children And Young People With Their Mental Health

23/04 Duration: 1 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £33.55/£16.58

Marketing Your Own Business

24/04 Duration: 1 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £24.40/£12.20

Barbering Introduction

05/05 Duration: 2 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £48.80/£24.40

Support Pupils’ Positive Behaviour

05/05 Duration: 1 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £34.65/£17.33 Hair Braiding

06/05 Duration: 1 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £18.30/£9.15 Running Your Own Business

08/05 Duration: 1 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £24.40/£12.20

What’s it like to work in a pre-school setting

10/05 Duration: 1 week(s) Location: Distance Learning Fee: Free

www.aclessex.com

Your New Vision In Career Or Life

12/05 Duration: 2 week(s) Location: Online Fee: Free

Working With Your Intuition

13/05 Duration: 2 week(s) Location: Online Fee: Free

Supporting Pupils With SEND Introduction

27/05 Duration: 1 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £34.65/£17.33

Counselling Skills Progression

10/06 Duration: 6 week(s) Location: Online Fee: £122/£61

Project Management An Introduction

11/06 Duration: 4 week(s) Location: Distance Learning Course Fee: £73.20/£36.60

Managing Conflict In The Workplace

17/06 Duration: 1 week(s) Location: Distance Learning Course Fee: £18.30/£9.15 Supporting Pupils With Autism - Introduction

23/06 Duration: 1 week(s) Location: Distance Learning Course Fee: £34.65/£17.33

Certificate In Understanding Autism Level 2