•  If you are homeless, for example in a hostel and don't feel that you're in a position to work at the moment, think about doing a course. It can be an excellent way to combat boredom, keep your mind exercised and meet other people. There are hundreds of courses across London that will be largely free if you are on benefits

•  If it's physical or mental ill health that's holding you back for the time being, learning can be a good way of using your time. It might even help your recovery.

•  If you are on Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support or Employment Support Allowance / Incapacity Benefit you can go on a course or courses for up to 16 hours a week in total without your benefit being affected. See Studying or Training and Benefits

•  There are many colleges in London where you can learn. Some particularly encourage more mature learners and some have specific homeless projects. See Could I Learn at College?

•  There are a few ‘residential' colleges across the UK where you could live and study. They are particularly aimed at people who have not previously followed into further education. See Adult Residential Colleges

•  You might need to take a private-paying short course for work, for instance for the security industry. For ways you might be able to pay for this, see Private Training Courses

•  Training through the jobcentre might be the answer. Don't rule it out. See Training through the Jobcentre

•  There are many learning opportunities with homeless organizations across London. See Learning with Homeless Organisations

•  You could learn by yourself. See Learn Direct and The Open University

•  If you have some qualifications from the past, University might still be possible. Even if you don't, you could do an ‘Access' course as a step in that direction. See Could I go to University?