Building better mental health through lifelong learning with WEA
Our work with WEA offers those supported by Change Mental Health a path to better mental health, connection and personal growth.

Lifelong learning is often seen as a tool for personal development or career growth, but its impact goes much deeper, particularly for those with mental health challenges. The Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) has been working with Change Mental Health, including our services in Fife, to bring tailored courses directly to those who need them most.
Partnership with Change Mental Health ensures that people already engaging with mental health services can access WEA courses in a supportive way.
WEA brings education to people who might otherwise feel left out, including those dealing with mental health challenges. “In many cases, adults today find themselves struggling to manage life and living in this hectic and demanding world. Often our learners come looking for new skills or hobbies but in almost all our groups there will be learners who cite improvement in their mental and emotional wellbeing as a goal in participation,” explains Karen Doherty, Course and Projects Manager for Scotland at WEA.
For many participants, the challenges they face have different root causes, but a common theme in feedback is the desire for more social interaction, a sense of belonging and acceptance within a community.
Creating opportunities for growth through lifelong learning
Much of the success lies in the relaxed yet stimulating environment created by WEA tutors. “In the WEA, we are fortunate to have a team of sessional tutors who are enthusiastic, empathetic and sensitive to the needs of their learners,” Karen said.
When asked about the examples of how WEA courses have made a difference in people’s wellbeing, Karen told us about a woman who was recovering from a marriage breakdown. She had not left the house in three months prior to attending one of the courses, and her confidence and self-esteem were at an all-time low. Reflecting on her experience, she said: “It was exactly what I needed. It gave me a reason to leave the house and a chance to meet people who didn’t know my history and wouldn’t judge me. The course was relaxing and friendly. I signed up for more even before this one had ended. I didn’t want to go back to being lonely and anxious.”
Karen also shared the story of an autistic learner who revealed, “I’ve never had the chance to do stuff like this. I just felt like I was stupid. At school, at work, everywhere. And this is good because I’m seeing that I can do it. I’m quite proud of myself.”
Lynne Penman, an Outreach Worker for Change Mental Health in Fife, described the impact of a pottery course for the Glenrothes Hearing Voices peer group.
“Watching people’s confidence grow while having fun has been great. As people sit around the table creating, conversations are flowing in a natural way.”
Courses like pottery have created safe spaces for mental health service users to connect in meaningful ways. Lynne highlights how these sessions facilitate meaningful engagement, leading to progress in the mental health journeys they wouldn’t have experienced otherwise.
“People are meeting someone new, and there is no anxiety around that as they are too busy getting messy and learning new things!
“Last week, a member opened up about his mental health journey and how he is starting to recognise signs he previously ignored that led to a decline. This is more than he has shared in our group space previously.”
Lynne Penman, Outreach Worker for Hearing Voices, Fife
Similarly, Heather Adamson, a Carer Support Worker for Change Mental Health in Fife, observed how meaningful activities can offer much-needed respite for carers.
“Supporting carers to engage in new activities or learning can be tricky to manage due to the nature of their caring role. It can be very difficult to put aside time for themselves from both a practical and emotional standpoint.”
Breaking down barriers to learning
For many, joining a group can feel intimidating, especially when mental health challenges are involved. People dealing with mental health challenges often feel marginalised and can struggle to express their worries or preferences, but learning can improve their wellbeing when the right conditions are in place.
Recognising this, WEA ensures that its courses are thoughtfully tailored to meet individual needs. “We match our tutors to particular groups dependent on skill sets, subject knowledge, and interpersonal capabilities. Being empathetic, calm and well-organised helps the learner relax and enjoy the session,” Karen said. Tutors work closely with support workers in advance to gain a clear understanding of each group’s needs and the best approaches to take.
Small group sizes ensure individual attention, reducing the risk of learners feeling overwhelmed. “We keep our group sizes small so that there is a generous amount of time available to each learner.”
Heather reflected on a recent Air Fryer course:
“We recently worked with a fantastic tutor, Elizabeth, who led the Air Fryer course that some of our carers undertook. She immediately set the scene for laid-back, fun learning sessions. It was wonderful to see everyone fully engaged but chatting, relaxed and focused on the task. Anything that enables someone to reset and recharge is invaluable in supporting their wellbeing, and this course came up with ‘the goods’ in every sense, with a great variety of tasty dishes being created!”
Humour and flexibility help build a supportive atmosphere. Tutors often use gentle humour to connect with participants, while also adjusting the pace of the course to suit the group. Learners with specific needs are given space to self-regulate, ensuring that everyone feels welcome.
“The WEA recognises that all groups bring a unique mix of people together, and each tutor aims to foster a sense of achievement and success for every learner, however small it may appear to others,” Karen added.
Reaching rural and underserved communities
For people in rural areas, feelings of isolation and disconnection can be heightened due to limited access to education, specialist learning opportunities and support services. Karen highlighted this challenge, explaining, “Lifelong learning helps people feel more connected and less isolated, especially in rural areas because we have the means to offer online courses which they can access from home or on their mobile phone.”
In some rural areas, barriers to accessing career development or employment-focused education leave many feeling left behind. “In some instances, they are so disadvantaged that subjects for career development or employment are despairingly unattainable,” Karen shared. By actively working to bring adult learning opportunities within reach, WEA is helping to bridge these gaps and provide options that many thought were out of reach.
“Returning to education later in life can be simultaneously daunting and energising,” Karen explained. Lifelong learning reopens doors that may have felt permanently closed, offering participants a chance to connect, grow and thrive.
“Some of our rural villages in Fife are identified as areas of deprivation. Access to lifelong learning can broaden horizons, decrease isolation and increase opportunities to connect around shared interests.”
Looking ahead
WEA and Change Mental Health are planning to offer more courses for those supported by Change Mental Health in Fife, including the ongoing Journaling course. This is possible thanks to WEA’s Service Level Agreement with Fife Council, which supports a range of adult learning opportunities over the three-year period up to March 2026. This long-standing agreement continues to bring high-quality adult learning opportunities into local communities, providing vital support for personal growth and mental wellbeing.
For more information about WEA or to explore their courses and opportunities, you can contact them by phone at 07443 551475, email Kathleen or Karen, or visit their website at www.wea.org.uk.
support
Our Advice and Support Service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.30pm), where advisers can signpost you to local support that most fits your needs, including our Change Mental Health services. We offer initial advice on money worries and help to deal with emergencies.
Contact 0808 8010 515, email us at advice@changemh.org or fill out the enquiry form on the Advice and Support Service page.