You’re never too old to learn something new with the Festival of Learning

The mission of the Festival of Learning is to highlight the benefits of continuing to learn when not in school or higher education, celebrate the achievements of adults who have used learning to transform their lives, and to encourage everyone to embrace lifelong learning.

Previously known as Adult Learners' Week, the awards have been going since 1992, and seek to highlight the difference people have made through continued learning.

Whether it's an individual turning their life around through education, or a wider project that has had a positive impact on a community, the abundance of inspiring stories shows just how transformative further education can be. 2018 is the 26th year the Festival has been held, and it continues to champion the cause of adult education for many years to come.

Part of the Festival for 2018 is Have a Go Month. The aim of this is to encourage organisations and colleges across the UK to host free taster events throughout the whole of June for people who may be considering trying out a new course. Whether you want to unleash the inner artist in you or get ahead with a new skill set in coding, there should be something for everyone.

The Festival of Learning website even has an online calendar that makes it easy to see what’s going on in your particular area. Planning and promotional resources are also available for any organisations that want to participate.

If you’re looking for a way to get involved in Hull, here at KCOM we hold free drop-in sessions on the first Tuesday of every month to help those who are struggling with how to do things online. The sessions are held in our Learning Zone on Carr Lane in Hull city centre and specifically designed to help and inspire people to get online and learn new digital skills.

We’re able to help with any technical issues, from setting up your email account on your phone or tablet and surfing the internet, to how to store your photos safely on an online cloud. The sessions are aided by our Digital Champions, who are always on hand to help anyone who pops in.

"If you have a spare half hour, our Digital Champions are here to show you how getting online could save you time, hassle and even money,” says Cathy Phillips, our Chief Marketing Officer.

“Whether you want to get healthy, get connected, get a job or get a bargain, you could be doing it all – and more – online."

For more information on these drop-in sessions, please contact Brendon Smurthwaite on 01482 602831. You can also visit the official Festival of Learning website to see the other events taking place in June.