Log on to learn
From first aid to cake decorating, put your time under lockdown to good use with DEBBI MARCO’s guide to the best online courses
LEARNING something new or taking part in a class can help boost your mood and improve confidence.And now many course providers are responding to the current situation by putting their classes and coaching online. There’s something for everyone in the selection below.
SAVE A LIFE
At a time when the NHS is stretched to the limit, there’s no better time to learn some basic first aid. Daisy First Aid online classes are packed with practical videos, audio and visual aids designed specifically for parents and carers to give them the knowledge to help a baby or child who is injured or ill.
The company is also offering live online sessions for parents and children at home via Zoom video link. Cost: From £20
More info: daisyfirstaid.com
DESIGN A NECKLACE
Learn how to make a silver necklace in a virtual workshop run by Dainty London.The classes typically involve 10 to 15 people and last approximately two hours.
Hosted on a Friday evening or Saturday afternoon, they are a great way to fill a weekend. When you book on to a workshop, you will be sent all the tools and equipment you need, and everything will be sterilised prior to posting.
You will also receive a booking link to log into a Zoom call for the live workshop. During the class you’ll be able to talk to top jewellery designer Jade Sammour and ask questions throughout. Cost: £68, with 10 per cent donated to the Nurses Trust
More info: daintylondon.com
LEARN A LANGUAGE
If you fancy exercising your brain and learning to speak a second language there are plenty of online tutorials.
Duolingo is one free service that offers a choice of more than 30 languages. Lessons are given in a fun format designed to retain learning.You can set daily learning goals as well as access stories and podcasts to improve listening and comprehension. Cost: Free
More info: duolingo.com
CALLIGRAPHY CLASS
A calming and relaxing hobby, calligraphy is the ideal skill to perfect while you’re spending time at home.Access an online workshop in an easy-to-follow 30-minute video format, which also has downloadable worksheets.
You will learn lots of tips and tricks and inspirational artworks to trace over and copy to keep you motivated. If you don’t have any calligraphy pens, there will be advice on what you can use instead. Cost: £3.99 for a 30-minute lesson
More info: themoderncalligraphyco.com
GET CRAFTY
Crafting is a great way to relax when you’re feeling stressed.And now you can learn to craft anything from needle-felting, weaving and paper flower making to lino printing, macrame and drawing projects with online course providers Bergin and Bath.
The projects are all aimed at beginners. Simply order a kit and watch the tutorials on the website.There are also step-by-step instructions that come in printed form. Most of the sessions require materials that people can easily buy online but Bergin and Bath are also selling the materials through their online shop if anyone is stuck. Cost: From £10
More info: berginandbath.co.uk
BOOST CONFIDENCE
When all around you feels uncertain, now is a great time to look inwards for confidence and resilience. Melissa Howard, a former NHS worker, is now a fully trained mindset coach and has opened up her courses online.
Throughout the six-week course you will learn how life experiences determine how you think and see the world.You will learn how to deal with uncertainty and stop it ruling your actions, and how to implement new habits while in self-isolation.
Plus you will understand how to transform negative emotions and self-sabotaging behaviour patterns into positive thoughts and actions.As well as the online modules, there is a weekly live Zoom call for students to access direct support and coaching.
Access to the course content is for life; access to live Zoom coaching calls is for three months. Cost: £99
More info: e-volveglobal.com
CAKE DECORATING
It is hard to celebrate special occasions when you are confined to the house, but a show-stopping cake will always do the trick. However, it’s not as easy as it looks, so expert tuition will be useful as well as fun.
Sign up to Rock Bakehouse online classes for access to downloadable baking masterclasses, along with piping, buttercream skills and cupcake decorating. You’ll also get access to a Facebook group for extra support. Cost: From £16.50
More info: rockbakehouse.co.uk
PERFECT YOUR PILATES
It’s essential to keep your physical and mental health on track, and strengthening your body safely is an ideal skill to learn.
Pilates and yoga teacher Liron Kass has created an online Pilates programme for women and is offering free taster classes and a prerecorded daily Pilates workout to be completed at your convenience.
Liron will cover topics such as strengthening and sculpting core muscles, achieving the perfect posture, avoiding and treating back pain and keeping up motivation to exercise.
There is also a paid-for 12-week course for anyone interested in learning more. Cost: Free
More info: bodyrestart.net