Every learner has their own story
From building confidence and learning new skills to making new friends and changing careers, Adult Learning Lewisham has helped people of all ages and backgrounds achieve their goals. Here are just a few of their experiences, shared in their own words.
My tutors have been brilliant not just in sharing know-how and providing technical support, but also in maintaining a congenial and well-organised learning environment. They’ve helped cultivate a precious sense of shared space, time and ways of making ceramics between people of all walks of life. I’ve been massively inspired by people’s wildly different approaches to clay work.
During my time at ALL, I’ve been able to cultivate my own language in clay, develop new glazes, and complete new work for shows. I’ve also made lots of fun gifts, as well as handy things for my house.
The ceramics courses and tutors have left a really positive impact on my art practice and career and enabled me to begin carving out a livelihood out of what I love doing. I currently teach ceramics at various art centres, and last year I was awarded a scholarship to study a MA Sculpture at the Royal College of Art. These would not have been possible without the work that I developed at ALL, which made up the majority of my portfolio.
Beyond the material and career benefits that making ceramics at ALL has brought me, it’s also helped improve my mental health. It’s got me out of the house every week – and out of staring at screens for way too long – to spend inspiring and wholesome times with a really lovely bunch of local makers.
I’ve really fallen in love with glass engraving it’s become a true passion and an important part of my life. What started as something new to try has quickly grown into something deeply creative, calming, and satisfying. There’s something special about turning a simple object into something unique and personal.
Since starting the course, I’ve become increasingly enthusiastic about developing my skills. I’m always thinking of new ideas and techniques, which keeps me motivated and excited to learn. It’s given me a real sense of creative purpose, and I look forward to every chance to practise.
Recently, I invested in my own equipment, which feels like a big milestone. I’m now planning a dedicated workspace at home so I can practise more regularly and experiment freely. It’s exciting to think about where this could lead.
A big part of my positive experience has been the tutor, who has been incredibly supportive and encouraging. Their guidance has helped build my confidence, especially when trying new techniques, and they create a welcoming space where it feels safe to learn and make mistakes.
Interestingly, I started this with my sister, and we invited our 82-year-old father to join us. Now we attend together, which makes it even more meaningful it’s not just about learning a skill, but spending quality time together, supporting each other and sharing.
The sessions are relaxed and enjoyable, and they’ve had a positive impact on my mental health. They give me time to switch off, focus on something creative, and leave feeling calmer and more positive. I’ve also enjoyed meeting new people.
So far, I’ve engraved items like glasses and vases, and I especially enjoy creating personal gifts for others. It’s rewarding to know something I’ve made can be appreciated and used.
Glass engraving has given me inner confidence, creativity, and a real sense of enjoyment. I’m excited to keep developing my work and see where it takes me next
I had a successful corporate career before being diagnosed in 2021 with an acquired neurological disorder that left me fully disabled and bedbound. The impact was profound, affecting my speech, mobility, and coordination, and requiring me to relearn many everyday activities. While waiting for specialist rehabilitation, I joined the Mindlift programme, a series of courses designed to support adults with mental and physical health challenges to take small, manageable steps forward. Staff worked closely with me to identify courses suited to my interests and needs, including cooking, art, and creative writing, with adjustments made to help me manage sensory challenges.
When I first joined, the experience felt overwhelming, but over time the structured and supportive environment helped me begin to re-engage. Setting small goals became crucial to my progress, from travelling independently on public transport to completing everyday tasks such as shopping. Cooking, in particular, became an important part of this journey, providing both a practical skill and a reason to leave the house, from shopping for ingredients to attending sessions. As my health declined, my social circle had reduced significantly, and attending classes gave me a much-needed opportunity to connect with others and feel part of a community again and have a safe place to go to.
Through this process, I began to rediscover parts of myself. Despite being told at school that I was “not good at art,” I have grown in confidence through creative activities and developed a strong interest in cooking. I now occasionally volunteer at a homeless charity, helping prepare meals by peeling and chopping vegetables, while creative writing has provided an outlet to reflect on my experiences and process my journey. Attending these courses over the last two and a half years has played a vital role in my rehabilitation helping me strengthen my communication and coordination, and although I will remain with disability for the rest of my life – reconnect with a renewed sense of purpose.
My journey into learning came at a time in my life, when I was a person in recovery. My house manager at Kyros recommended Adult Learning to me as something positive to focus on, and it gave me something to do. I began my learning journey in 2021, starting with entry level courses in English and maths. Since then, I’ve achieved my maths GCSE, and I’ve just sat my final English GCSE exam.
I work in construction and property maintenance and for a long time I wasn’t sure if I needed qualifications like English and Maths because a lot of it is hands-on work. Reading and writing have not always come easily to me, but I’ve learned that the more you practise, the easier it becomes. Being able to read and write opens so many more opportunities and it’s important to continue to learn and improve. It has given me confidence, happiness, and a real sense of achievement.
As part of my journey, I now work with Adult Learning as an exam invigilator. The curriculum leaders for English and maths recommended me for the role, and it has been a great experience. The role allows me to learn new skills and experience a different environment.
I have strong ambitions for the future. My next step is to qualify as an electrician. Beyond that, I would like to continue studying IT and business management so I can successfully run my own business. I want to be able to write quotes, cost up jobs, and manage my work professionally.
Being able to share what I’ve learned, and support others is also very important to me. One of my goals is to employ people who are in recovery, and support others in transforming their lives.
I look forward to coming to class each week – I would come every day if I could! It gets me out of the house and helps with my mental health too. This service is for everyone, it has so much to offer. I’ve made new friends and can be myself here without judgement. I really enjoy the art classes. The teacher is wonderful. She has really helped me progress my art. I also attend pottery – it’s great that I get to try different things each term.
I attend English and maths classes because I want to be able to support my children’s learning and help them with their homework. Once I’ve got my maths and English GCSE’s I want to progress my studies further because I would like to change careers. My English tutor covers a wide variety of material in class – which has inspired me to research topics further in my own time which has expanded my knowledge of other things. Attending classes has also improved my vocabulary and reignited my love of reading.
Pottery is like therapy – time to switch off and be creative. When you stand back and admire what you have created from a lump of clay, it is very fulfilling, but of course it can also go the other way when things don’t go to plan – but that’s all a part of the learning process. The tutor is always on hand to support and instruct, along with all the equipment that you will ever need to bring your imagination to life. I have taken part in the Sydenham Arts Trail the last few years displaying my work alongside other potters who attend classes and sell my work at other local events too.
I have always loved making and thought I would try upholstery.The classes give me the opportunity to not only continue developing my skills but also to discuss problems I am having and obtain excellent advice from the tutor. The workshop classes are a good environment for sharing our experiences, our love of upholstery and chairs! The course also covers UK fire regulations which means I can sell my chairs knowing that they are well made and fully compliant.