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Think about a course if work isn’t an option at the moment
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 you have health problems, learning can be a good way of using your time
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.
There are many colleges in London where you can learn.
There are about 40 Further Education Colleges across London. Many of their courses are free or low cost and open to people of all ages. They are usually keen to fill up the places on their courses.
There are many chances to learn with homeless organizations across London
Some of the larger homeless organizations, such as daycentres or housing providers, offer basic learning opportunities. For example, this might be in computers skills, English, maths, cooking or art. This might be a good starting point if you just want to try something out or if you feel happier with an organization which understands the situation you are in. You could progress later to somewhere like a college. All courses will be free and not affect benefits.
You can usually study or train up to 16 hours a week and stay on benefits
The general rule is that if you are on a part-time course (defined as up to 16 hours a week), you will be able to claim benefits, such as Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support, and Housing Benefit. However, if you are on a full-time course, you will not usually be able to claim these benefits. Employment Support Allowance / Incapacity Benefit is different. You should be able to do a part-time or full-time course and still claim this benefit although see Training if you are on incapacity-related benefits
If you have qualifications from another country you can find out if they are useful in the UK
The organization UK NARIC gives you information on how your qualifications from overseas compare to UK qualifications. For example, they may confirm that a certificate you have from Sweden is at a similar level to an NVQ Level 2 in the UK. You might need to use this service to prove your qualifications, either to an employer or to a college or university.
You can often get replacements for lost Certificates
If you have lost old certificates, you should first try contacting the college or other organization where you took the course. They might be able to help get replacements For City & Guilds qualifications, you can contact them through city-and-guilds.co.uk .They will search for old certificates at a cost of £34 per certificate
‘Floodlight’ (the book and internet site) lists all the part-time college courses in London
Floodlight.co.uk is an excellent starting point. It has details on all courses at colleges across London. On the homepage under ‘what subject’ you can choose the course area you are interested in. On the page that then comes up you can narrow your search subject further. You can also subsequently narrow your search to include, for example, only part—time courses and which borough you want to learn in. There is also ‘Floodlight’ the book of part—time courses in London. You will find it in most libraries. The book lists courses from A to Z. It is excellent for browsing through if you are looking for ideas. If you find a course that you like the look of, the contact details for each college are then to be found at the back of the book.
There are six Adult Residential Colleges in the UK where you can live
and study – especially aimed at people who left school at 16 or 18 There are six colleges in different parts of the UK which offer courses with accommodation automatically provided They are aimed at people aged over 20 whose full time studies ended when they left school Courses are usually for one year A special bursary is paid which covers fees, accommodation and other living expenses
You might be able to apply for up to £2,500 to the Crisis Changing
Lives Awards scheme to help you with the cost of course fees or
materials ‘Changing Lives’ is a grant award scheme run by the homeless charity Crisis. You have to be homeless or formerly homeless to apply You can apply for up to £2500 towards the cost of course fees. A grant can also be used for materials or equipment to help you complete a course You do not have to repay these grants
You could still go to University – mature students are welcomed
Anyone going to university aged over 21 is referred to as a ‘mature student' Don't be put off university by thinking it's too late or that you might not fit in. There are many mature students already there Universities welcome mature students because they are usually very motivated, bring life experience with them, and are often very successful in their studies You can study part-time at university and many of these courses are aimed at mature students Because universities want to attract mature students, entry requirements tend to be more flexible, with a range of qualifications being accepted
Access Courses are a way of preparing for University if you have few qualifications
Access courses offer a route to university that is quicker and more appropriate for older students than qualifications such as A-levels Most people on Access courses will not have gained any qualifications after age 16
You could study at home through the Open University
The Open University (The 'OU') caters mainly for mature students, including those with no qualifications Most of the learning is ‘distance learning' - studying at home or wherever it is convenient You do have contact with a regional centre and you are allocated a tutor who can offer regular guidance. There is also the opportunity to exchange ideas with other students Most students study part-time There is no upper age limit Many courses are degree-level but there are also a range of non-degree courses All courses are taught in English so if English is not your first language you may need to allow extra time for your studies The OU has a good reputation for the quality of its teaching. Most British Universities accept OU credits for entry onto later years of their own courses
You could learn by yourself with Learndirect
It is a national scheme where you learn mainly through using computers and the internet It can be particularly useful if you are homeless because there are learndirect centres all over London with computers for you to use. They are in places like libraries, community centres, churches and shopping centres. Don't worry if you have little or no experience with computers because many of the courses on offer are about learning computer skills Learndirect might suit you if you prefer learning on your own rather than being taught in a classroom
The City Lit in Covent Garden has a good Advice Shop for more information about Studying
The City Lit is an Adult Education College in Covent Garden which has helped many homeless and formerly homeless people in the past It has a good Information and Advice Shop, which is open to anyone. They will provide advice on education and training opportunities across London (not just at the City Lit) and on financial support for your studies The Advice Shop is at Ground Floor, Keeley Street, London WC2B 4BA Or you can telephone on 020 7492 2500 They open weekdays 11am to 7pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm The service is free Their website is citylit.ac.uk
Learndirect has an advice line for information about courses and careers
Learndirect provides a help and advice line. It can help on careers, courses, paying for study and other topics. Their number is 0800 101 901 which is open 8am to 10pm seven days a week |