SANDYCROFT Community Centre in Redditch, working in partnership with Worcestershire County Council's libraries and learning service, is providing adults with access to a range of courses.

They include customer services, cake decorating, creative writing, English, dressmaking and tailoring, confidence building and dealing with stress and anxiety.

The courses on offer, which have been designed to meet the needs of the local community, provide opportunities to learn new skills, update old ones and boost individual employability skills.

The adult students can initially join a short course with the option to progress onto a year-long qualification which can help them to move towards securing employment.

Sandycroft Community Centre is keen for people to use the centre to meet others and to socialise. It also offers a wide range of support to help people improve their general well-being and quality of life.

Lee Mckenzie, Sandycroft Centre manager, said: "We see informal learning as integral in strengthening our community by improving people's knowledge, skills and confidence.

"Our partnership approach between Worcestershire County Council, Workers' Educational Association and Heart of Worcestershire College helps us to tackle real issues in people’s lives.

"Community learning makes a significant contribution to reducing social exclusion and closing of the inequalities gap."

Councillor Lucy Hodgson, cabinet member for localism and communities, added: "What a great opportunity for local people to access new skills and discover that learning can be fun.

"I would encourage anyone to call or drop into Sandycroft Community Centre and find out for themselves about the range of courses and how supportive and friendly the centre is."

Anyone interested in learning a new skill or looking for a new interest should contact Sandycroft Community Centre on 01527 595135.