New scheme to promote learning in care homes

The Government is launching a project to promote adult learning in care homes across the UK. The project aims to improve the health, happiness and wellbeing of the 21,000 people that live in British care homes by offering access to informal learning programmes such as community-led excursions and art sessions. The National Institute of Continuing Adult Education (NIACE) will lead the scheme and is currently researching the best ways to provide education in a care home setting. Programme Director Fiona Aldridge comments: ‘Evidence of the impact of learning upon people’s well-being cannot be ignored, especially in the case of older people in care, where engaging in learning opportunities can make the world of difference to their health and happiness.’ NIACE would like older people living in care homes, their relatives and friends, and staff from organisations which already offer educational opportunities in care homes to contact it to contribute to the research. Interested parties can e-mail Fiona Aldridge at fiona.aldridge@niace.org.uk or call 0116 204 4246.