Highlighting work of Charnwood Allies
ACHIEVEMENTS of adult learners with learning difficulties and disabilities in studying part of Loughborough’s history are being highlighted to encourage more people to find out about the county council’s ‘Learning for Living and Work’ programme.
The Charnwood Allies group, based at Loughborough library, has been working with the council’s Heritage Lottery-funded Century of Stories project since 2015 to research and investigate aspects of the First World War history of the town. The work is part of the wider adult learning provision in the county.
During their work, the group researched the story of the Zeppelin raids of January 31, 1916. This formed the foundation for many of their projects, including clay sculptures, which were on show at Charnwood Museum, and a walking tour leaflet, which guides people around the four sites in Loughborough where the bombs were dropped.
Coun Richard Blunt, county council cabinet member for museums, said: “The work done by Charnwood Allies, in collaboration with the adult learning service and Century of Stories, is an inspired example of partners working together.
“The learners are working towards a nationally-accredited qualification and the calibre of their work demonstrates how gaining valuable skills and confidence can make such a dif- ference to everyday life.
“I’d urge people with learning difficulties, or their parents or carers, to find out more about what the adult learning service can do to help develop skills.”
The Learning for Living and Work programme helps adults with learning difficulties gain valuable skills in areas including communication, health, personal safety and wellbeing, skills for employment and volunteering, sensory learning, independent living, creative skills and leisure.
Louise Sharples, Century of Stories project officer, said: “Our team are honoured and proud to have supported the Charnwood Allies with their projects. Their creativity, enthusiasm, compassion and personal development has been astounding.”
The Zeppelin Walk leaflet is available in Loughborough Library and can be downloaded from the Century of Stories website at www.centuryofstories. org. uk/ news/ zeppelin-raids-leaflet/
For more information, and to find out how to apply for a course for adults with learning difficulties and disabilities, call Leicestershire Adult Learning service on 0800 988 0308, email adultlearning@leics.gov.uk or visit Leicestershire.gov.uk/GoLearn