Press Release 2

AGE CONCERN BOLTON

OUR BEST ENROLMENT EVER!

September 2007 has seen the highest number of enrolments for courses and activities
at Age Concern’s Learning and Resources Centre, since the charity first opened the Farnworth-based centre, six years ago.  Every place on the range of computer courses has been filled, together with almost eighty per cent of places on non-IT courses and activities.  As a consequence, each week, more than 300 older people now take advantage of the attractive choice of learning and leisure activities.

Geoff Benians, the Centre’s Co-ordinator attributes this success to the following:

“We have a team of friendly, committed and highly skilled volunteers, who are passionate about supporting and encouraging older learners.  This emphasis on support is especially important in terms of more technical courses such as computer courses, where our tutor/learners ratio guarantees lots of friendly and patient one-to-one support.  And, despite others’ apparent obsession with qualifications, we haven’t forgotten the importance of learning for enjoyment and the enjoyment of learning.  Add in the attractiveness of the Centre itself, along with very reasonable course fees, and there’s our winning formula.  It’s not surprising, therefore, that most new learners are recruited by word of mouth and, once enrolled, don’t want to leave!

However, we’re also committed to attracting new learners and to developing new courses and activities.  Again, our volunteers play a vital role in promoting the Centre’s work, throughout the borough, and working with me to refresh existing and to develop new courses.” 

The Learning Centre’s January 2008 programme includes: computer at beginners and intermediate levels, internet, digital photography, modern languages, arts, crafts, music keyboard, guitar playing, photography workshop, and much more!

To enrol or to find out more, ring the Centre on 01204 701525 or visit the charity’s website: www.ageconcernbolton.org.uk