February Highlights
February was an exceptionally active and vibrant month at the Learning Exchange, marked by high attendance, a rich variety of creative and practical courses, and continued growth within our learning community. With many sessions running at full capacity, the month demonstrated both the enthusiasm of our learners and the adaptability of our team.
Key Activities
Throughout February, we delivered a wide range of courses that brought together learners with diverse interests, skills, and goals. Courses running this month included:
IT & Tech Support (6 sessions)
Literacy: Having Fun With Words (5 weekly 1:1 slots)
Gothic Horror (2 sessions)
Introduction to 3D Printing and CAD (2 sessions)
Creative Speaking Club (3 sessions)
Cabin Sessions (4 sessions)
Spoon Carving (3 sessions)
7 Ways to Think Differently
Writing: Having Your Voice Heard
Sea-Glass Pendants (2 sessions)
Easy Bookmaking
Pickling and Fermenting – Kombucha and Kefir
Becoming a Tutor
Hatha Yoga (2 sessions)
Business Start-Up
Emotional Logic
Watercolour
First Steps in Gardening
Due to strong demand, we scheduled an additional Writing – Having Your Voice Heard course, as well as a new sourdough breadmaking session -the final instalment in our Pickling and Fermenting series.
A new Green Woodworking Club was also established, formed by alumni of previous spoon carving courses who were eager to continue developing their skills in a supportive group environment.
Learning and Development
February offered valuable insights into learner engagement and course delivery.
Many courses reached or approached full capacity, and we believe this may have been one of our busiest months to date.
We also identified a pattern in attendance: learners registered through referrals were more likely to miss sessions. To support commitment and ensure places are used effectively, we have paused referral-based registrations. Instead, we encourage caseworkers to attend alongside their clients, helping them feel confident and supported while still ensuring learners sign up by choice.
Participation and Reach
221 students attended courses in February- a significant level of engagement across the month.
Learner Feedback
Feedback this month highlighted the creativity, warmth, and hands-on learning that make the Learning Exchange such a valued space.
Pickling and Fermenting – Kombucha and Kefir
“I liked tasting and trying it all. Fantastic atmosphere and info.”
“It was great to meet lovely people and having scobies and cultures to take home. The tutors were brilliant.”
“The whole session was excellent. Thank you for your time and effort, explanation and patience.”
“Again – a great and fun workshop. We could take away some ‘babies’!”
Gothic Horror
“What I enjoyed the most? All of it! Wonderful, informal and presented well!”
“I enjoyed being scared.”
“It inspired my interest to read more. I loved hearing about the background and the authors’ lives.”
Sea-Glass Pendants
“I’m really pleased with my creations. The tutor gave us instructions and let us get on with it!”
“I liked meeting people and learning how to make jewellery. Emmeline is kind and helpful.”
“The tutor was friendly, knowledgeable and encouraging. Brilliant teaching style.”
Spoon Carving
“I liked the whole experience. Thank you for your patience and time.”
“Relaxing and therapeutic. Great tuition — flexible, kind and patient.”
“I loved learning to use tools I’d never tried before.”
February was a month full of creativity, connection, and growth. We continue to be inspired by the enthusiasm, curiosity, and generosity of our learners and tutors, who make the Learning Exchange such a vibrant and welcoming place.
