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Participants seated at tables in a large event hall watch a presentation being delivered from a lectern at the front of the room. A presentation slide is displayed on a large screen.

Celebrating Community Learning at ¾«¶«´«Ã½

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Community Learning celebration event in Neuadd Reichel.

The evening brought together learners, staff and partners to celebrate the impact of ¾«¶«´«Ã½â€™s community learning provision, delivered in partnership with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai through the Lifelong Learning Framework.

We are very grateful to the University’s Community Fund for supporting the event, and to everyone who contributed to the evening, including Professor Enlli Thomas, Ieuan Wyn Jones, our learner and staff panellists, colleagues from Canolfan Bedwyr, and all staff involved in organising and supporting the event.

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 ¾«¶«´«Ã½ 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.

Several attendees seated around a table take part in conversation during ¾«¶«´«Ã½â€™s short courses celebration event. Other participants are standing and networking in the background, while event information leaflets and refreshments are visible on the table.
Learners, staff and guests take part in informal discussions and networking during ¾«¶«´«Ã½â€™s short courses celebration event.
Two attendees seated at a table in an event hall talk while holding ¾«¶«´«Ã½ short courses information leaflets. A large window and additional event materials are visible in the background.
Participants discuss their learning journeys and explore future opportunities during ¾«¶«´«Ã½â€™s short courses celebration event.
Two attendees stand and talk in a university event space during ¾«¶«´«Ã½â€™s short courses celebration event. Round tables and chairs are visible in the background.
Short Courses lead make connections and share experiences during ¾«¶«´«Ã½â€™s short courses celebration event.
Participants seated around tables in a large event hall during a ¾«¶«´«Ã½ short courses celebration event. Attendees are listening and socialising in a bright, open room.
Attendees gather for a ¾«¶«´«Ã½ short courses celebration event, sharing learning experiences and course achievements.
Participants stand and chat in a bright university event space, socialising during a ¾«¶«´«Ã½ short courses celebration event. Tables and other attendees are visible in the background.
Attendees enjoy conversation and networking at a celebration event showcasing ¾«¶«´«Ã½â€™s short course and community learning opportunities.
Two attendees stand and talk in a bright event hall during ¾«¶«´«Ã½â€™s short courses celebration event, while other participants mingle and converse in the background. Tables, chairs and event materials are visible around the room.
Learners and staff take the opportunity to connect and discuss learning experiences during ¾«¶«´«Ã½â€™s short courses celebration event.
Two attendees talk in the event hall during ¾«¶«´«Ã½â€™s short courses celebration event. Other participants are gathered in the background near a stage and presentation screen displaying a slide about learning experiences.
Attendees continue conversations and build new connections during ¾«¶«´«Ã½â€™s short courses celebration event.
Attendees seated around a table in an event hall engage in discussion during ¾«¶«´«Ã½â€™s short courses celebration event. Information cards, note paper and refreshments are visible on the table.
Short courses leads take part in discussion and networking activities during ¾«¶«´«Ã½â€™s short courses celebration event.
A panel of course participants sits at the front of an event hall while audience members listen. A large screen behind the panel displays a presentation slide featuring ¾«¶«´«Ã½ branding and questions about learners’ experiences.
Learners and Lecturers share their experiences during a panel discussion at ¾«¶«´«Ã½â€™s short courses celebration event.
A participant seated in an event hall watches a promotional video projected onto a large screen during ¾«¶«´«Ã½â€™s short courses celebration event. Tables, chairs and event materials are visible in the foreground.
An attendee watches a promotional video celebrating the achievements and experiences of learners on ¾«¶«´«Ã½â€™s short courses.
Participants seated around tables in an event hall watch and listen to a presentation. Information leaflets, drinks and notepads are visible on the tables.
Attendees listen to a presentation and discussion during ¾«¶«´«Ã½â€™s short courses celebration event.
Participants seated at tables in a large event hall watch a presentation being delivered from a lectern at the front of the room. A presentation slide is displayed on a large screen.
Attendees listen to a presentation by Ieuan Wyn Jones during ¾«¶«´«Ã½â€™s short courses celebration event.
A guest speaker stands at a lectern and speaks to an audience during a ¾«¶«´«Ã½ short courses celebration event. A computer monitor and microphone are positioned on the lectern in a bright event space.
Guest speaker Ieuan Wyn Jones addresses attendees during ¾«¶«´«Ã½â€™s short courses celebration event.