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The
Living and Learning Centre is a three-way partnership between the
University of Gloucestershire, Gloucester City Council and the West
Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust.
It
was launched when the revamped leisure centre opened in August 2002
and over the last year it has:
- helped over 90 people who want to stop smoking
- involved
over 1,000 people in learning activities
- increased
the number of university applications from Gloucester people by
seven per cent
"So
far, we've offered sessions and courses on health issues such as
stress management, older people's lifestyles, support to stop smoking
and men's health," says living and learning centre manager Becky
Walton.
"We
also held a Family Learning Weekend and were part of the national
Adult Learners' Week, introducing the idea of part-time study to
people who might not have considered going to university before.
"For
next year, I'm hoping to introduce a new series of support sessions
on weight management.
"Almost
a quarter of our population is now obese, and children are increasingly
becoming part of this statistic.
"The
Living and Learning Centre will work with experts in diet and nutrition
to offer practical support and encouragement to Gloucester people
who want to manage their weight better."
This
year 344 children attended the Family Learning Weekend at GL1 with
their parents.
The
event provided practical opportunities in a fun setting for whole
families to find out about available learning and leisure opportunities.
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| We
quit! A course at GL1 helped these people give up smoking |
During
Adult Learners Week in May the centre hosted a Never Too Late To
Learn Day in partnership with BBC Radio Gloucestershire, with opportunities
to try free taster sessions in many different activities from computing
to massage.
On
Fathers' Day, 76 dads came swimming for free with their children,
in an event organised by the Centre as part of Men's Health Week.
A
Family Learning Weekend and Never Too Late to Learn Day introduced
the idea of part-time study to people who might not have considered
going to university before.  |
| Becky
Walton, Living and Learning Centre Manager |
Another
popular programme in June and July was when 15 older people took
part in Adding Years to Life and Life to Years, which included talks,
exercise classes and expert advice from Age Concern, the Police
and the Pensions Service.
Leslie
and Mary Weatherburn from Kingsholm went on the course after attending
an open day at GL1 and are now regulars at the leisure centre.
Leslie,
69, said: "I thought that I'd seen it all in the army but we've
learned a lot of new things on the course.
"We've
learned about pensions, personal security and even got our electric
blankets checked.
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| Finding
out about IT learning opportunities at the 'It's Never Too Late
To Learn' day |
"The
self-defence lesson was excellent and it was great to have different
lessons every week to look forward to."
Mary,
66, last used the leisure centre in the 1980s but now goes to the
Fun and Fitness morning every Wednesday.
"It's
like a social club. I really look forward to coming here,"
she said.
All
events organised by the Living and Learning Centre are free to Gloucester
residents.
The
Centre also acts as an Information Access Point, with free material
on work, education and training opportunities.
 To
find out more about the Living and Learning Centre and its programme
of activities contact Becky Walton on 01452 396669.
Has
the Living and Learning Centre or somewhere else in Gloucestershire
helped you change your life for the better? We'd love to hear your
story - email us at gloucestershire@bbc.co.uk
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