Bridges to Learning XCoping with Loneliness

Course aim

Loneliness is a terrible thing to experience. Find ways in which you can feel happier and more connected to others..

Do I need any particular skills or experience?

• You will need to be able to follow links to join our WEA live video learning platform: WEA Zoom. If you’d like to understand more about our video learning platform, Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline and http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
• This course is for a group of around 15 students studying in a live video-learning platform conference and an online digital learning environment platform from the comfort of your own home.
• This is a live lecture delivered by a subject specialist in an online webinar video learning platform. You will need to be able to access the internet on a device with speakers or earphones. There will be opportunities to take part in discussions and chats. If you’d like to know how to use Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
• No skills or experience needed
• This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
• This course is for anyone who is presently struggling to cope with loneliness and feels disconnected from others.

By the end of the course I should be able to:

• Identify my own reasons for feeling lonely
• Know how to begin to connect with others
• Find new things which will make you feel less isolated
• Have gained ideas, tips and coping strategies
• Know how and where to access help

How will I be taught?

• The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
• You will be expected to carry out a range of activities in your own time
• You may wish to try out the suggestions at your own pace at home.

What kind of feedback can I expect?

• A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion
• You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor
• You will be encouraged to share your work with the group and discuss your learning
• You will be encouraged to consider other students work and give your opinions and suggestions

What else do I need to know?

• What you need: You will need an internet connection, speakers, a microphone and a webcam so that you can use our video learning platform, Zoom. If you’d like to understand more Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
• Nothing else is needed
• It would be helpful if you had access to the internet (Mobile phone, tablet or computer at home or through a library etc.)
• You may wish to bring a notepad and pen to record during your lesson.

Pre-course work, reading and information sources

• No pre reading or pre course work is required

What can I do next?

• Progress to another WEA course
• Progress to a course with another provider
• This course could lead to a range of job opportunities. Follow link to National Careers Service for more details https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/
• Become involved with the WEA in a range of voluntary work and other activities including campaigning as a WEA member
• Become involved as a volunteer for a WEA partner or another organisation
• You could progress to Higher Education courses. Follow link to the PEARL website for information http://pearl.open.ac.uk/
• Access the WEA What Next? booklet here http://www.wea.org.uk/learn-wea/what-can-i-do-next
• You may wish to attend other useful self awareness and development courses.