Promotional Video for the Event
We are also pleased to share a short video that tells some of the learners’ stories at the heart of this work. The video reminds us of the difference that accessible, community-based learning can make, by building confidence, opening new doors, and helping learners see ¶º±ÆÖ±²¥ as a place for them.
At first, I found it very, very difficult living with being retired.
I was a little bit nervous because you don’t know what to expect.
I happened to see online that the university was offering short courses, and I thought, well, I’ve got time now that I’ve retired after fifty-two years in the health service. It would help me keep my mind active, so I decided to sign up.
Because it’s not only interesting, it’s educational as well.
I happened to be searching the website, looking for something different to do, and I came across Community Learning.
I graduated in 2011 with Linguistics and English.
And to be honest, it has really given me the urge to come back.
I enjoy the learning and the community here.
Everyone is great, the staff are great.
On the first session, I was nothing but nerves.
Lisa, the lecturer, was amazing, supportive, explaining what to expect from the degree and everything, and then I thought, okay, let’s try it.
I’m still getting over the shock, to be completely honest. It wasn’t something I’d planned to do. Last year it wasn’t on the cards at all—to go from a two-hour evening course just to keep busy, to seven hours on a degree.
I still pinch myself.
That I’m here and that I have the ability to do it.
One of my favourite things to learn about was miscarriages of justice, especially the Birmingham Six.
My confidence shifted quite a bit.
The short courses bring you into the university environment. You get to know your surroundings and the people you'll be interacting with on a daily basis.
Obviously, the staff are all really, really friendly and it's very accessible for everyone.
I was a bit apprehensive, but the more I did, the more I enjoyed them and just kept signing up for more and more until I couldn't do any more.
I'm so glad I pushed myself to go because it has really opened my eyes.
It’s enabled her to figure out where she wants to go in life, and it’s nice to do something together—even if it’s about serial killers! But it works.
There’s a lot of support here.
The tutors and lecturers are all approachable. Everyone is lovely.
It’s nice to be around campus.
Even though I’m doing the course through English, Welsh is still here, and it’s great meeting people from different backgrounds.
I like connecting with people.
And I can make music come alive for them.
I’ve done the Welsh Castles course.
I’ve done one on societies as well, and tonight hopefully we’ll be doing Welsh Quarries.
Since being here, it has inspired me, and it helps you think ahead and have something to look forward to.
It really helps you to...
...move forward in your life, to tell the truth.
