In starting to devise a community-orientated programme, I was involved in discussions with former residents of Hulme at the Birley Community day. Tracie Daly, now the Royal Exchange’s community programme leader, mentioned the closure of Hulme’s Adult Learning Centre, which had been her entry into higher education. She highlighted the importance of access to such services. By closing Hulme’s centre local residents were denied opportunities to pursue further studies locally.

 

Adult Learning Centres offer a range of courses appealing to individuals of varying abilities, ages and backgrounds. They do not have the same rigid structures of schools and further education establishments, meaning students do not need to commit to long-term courses that do not suit their weekly routine. In this way education is more accessible and the prospect of going back to education can seem less daunting.