MORE than 9,000 adults will be developing their literacy, maths, digital skills or improving their health and well-being through subsidised courses at venues across Hampshire.

Hampshire County Council has allocated £1.3million to help improve quality of life and employability among specific target groups, by providing opportunities for free learning.

Stephen Reid, the county council’s executive member for education, skills, human resources and performance, said: “Training in the most vital skills, such as literacy and digital technology, should be accessible to all who need it.

“Providing free learning to those who may find it more difficult to access courses, in venues that are close to their homes or easy to travel to, helps people to aim higher, and engage more with the community around them.”

Available in a variety of venues such as schools, parish halls and libraries, the courses are funded through Hampshire Futures, the authority’s service to learners over 14 years of age, recently rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.

They cover three broad themes and are aimed at specific target groups:

nHampshire Thrives (supporting better quality of life): courses to support family learning; English and maths skills; digital inclusion; community cohesion; and health and wellbeing. They will be provided free of charge to learners who receive Income Support or Universal Credit, or have a learning difficulty or disability. These courses will be available at a wide variety of venues including libraries in Alton and Petersfield.

nHampshire Works (helping people improve their employability): courses to help with skills such as CV writing and interview techniques, and basic English and maths. They will be provided free of charge to people aged 19 or older who receive Universal Credit to access employment, including those with learning difficulties or disabilities. The courses will be available at a wide variety of venues such as schools and parish halls, and also at the libraries in Fareham, Gosport, New Forest and Rushmoor.

Hampshire Learns (helping people undertake leisure learning): courses include various themes from tap-dancing to languages to yoga and allow people to continue learning for their own leisure.

There will be a charge for these courses, however concessions are available.