Search
Menu
Menu

Community Arts and Wellbeing Courses

Community Arts and Crafts Courses

In this engaging and supportive course, participants will learn how to create and decorate pottery in a fun and hands-on environment. Designed specifically for adults with learning difficulties and disabilities, the course focuses on building confidence and creativity while exploring a range of hand-building and decorating techniques, including pinching, coiling, slab work, and glazing.

All materials and equipment will be provided, and classes are kept small to ensure a safe and nurturing space for each learner to thrive. Whether creating functional pottery or expressing artistic flair, this course offers a welcoming environment to develop new skills and unleash your creativity.

TERM 1 STARTING:

  • From Monday 14th September 2026 to Monday 23rd November 2026, 12:30 to 14:30 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Wednesday 16th September 2026 to Wednesday 26th November 2026, 10:00 to 12:00 – Northumberland Avenue

TERM 2 STARTING:

  • From Monday 11th January 2027 to Monday 22nd March 2027, 12:30 to 14:30 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Wednesday 13th January 2027 to Wednesday 24th March 2027, 10:00 to 12:00 – Northumberland Avenue

TERM 3 STARTING:

  • From Monday 19th April 2027 to Monday 28th June 2027, 12:30 to 14:30 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Wednesday 21st April 2027 to Wednesday 30th June 2027, 10:00 to 12:00 – Northumberland Avenue

Course Fee: £245*

*This course is free to eligible learners

In this engaging and supportive course, participants will learn essential cookery skills in a fun and hands-on environment.

Designed specifically for adult learners with learning difficulties and disabilities, the course focuses on building confidence and independence while preparing and creating nutritious everyday meals.

TERM 1 STARTING:

  • From Tuesday 15th September 2026 to Tuesday 24th November 2026, 10:00 to 12:00 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Tuesday 15th September 2026 to Tuesday 24th November 2026, 13:00 to 15:00 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Thursday 17th September 2026 to Thursday 26th November 2026, 10:00 to 12:00 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Thursday 17th September 2026 to Thursday 26th November 2026, 13:00 to 15:00 – Northumberland Avenue

TERM 2 STARTING:

  • From Tuesday 12th January 2027 to Tuesday 23rd March 2027, 10:00 to 12:00 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Tuesday 12th January 2027 to Tuesday 23rd March 2027, 13:00 to 15:00 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Thursday 14th January 2027 to Thursday 25th March 2027, 10:00 to 12:00 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Thursday 14th January 2027 to Thursday 25th March 2027, 13:00 to 15:00 – Northumberland Avenue

TERM 3 STARTING:

  • From Tuesday 20th April 2027 to Tuesday 29th June 2027, 10:00 to 12:00 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Tuesday 20th April 2027 to Tuesday 29th June 2027, 13:00 to 15:00 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Thursday 22nd April 2027 to Thursday 1st July 2027, 10:00 to 12:00 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Thursday 22nd April 2027 to Thursday 1st July 2027, 13:00 to 15:00 – Northumberland Avenue

Course Fee: £245*

*This course is free to eligible learners

This course is designed specifically for adult learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.
 
Learners will explore painting, drawing, craft and junk modelling in a welcoming and supportive environment. Through creative activities, participants will develop confidence, self-expression and social connections while experiencing the wellbeing benefits of making art.
 
Working with a variety of themes, learners will create unique artworks, build new skills and enjoy a sense of achievement and personal fulfilment. All materials are provided.
 
 

TERM 1 STARTING:

  • From Friday 18th September 2026 to Friday 27th November 2026, 13:00 to 15:00 – Northumberland Avenue

TERM 2 STARTING:

  • From Friday 15th January 2027 to Friday 19th March 2027, 13:00 to 15:00 – Northumberland Avenue

TERM 3 STARTING:

  • From Friday 23rd April 2027 to Friday 2nd July 2027, 13:00 to 15:00 – Northumberland Avenue

Course Fee: £19*

*This course is free to eligible learners

This welcoming course is designed for adult SEND learners who want to explore sewing and textiles in a calm, supportive environment. Through fun, step-by-step projects, you’ll learn basic skills including threading needles, simple hand sewing, cross stitch, embroidery, and introductory weaving.

Sessions are relaxed and practical, with plenty of support to help you work at your own pace. As you create, you’ll build confidence, coordination, and creativity, while also supporting your wellbeing through the gentle, repetitive nature of making.

By the end, you’ll feel proud of what you’ve created and confident to continue onto further creative courses if you wish.

TERM 1 STARTING:

  • From Monday 14th September 2026 to Monday 12th October 2026, 15:00 to 17:00 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Monday 2nd November 2026 to Monday 30th November 2026, 15:00 to 17:00 – Northumberland Avenue

TERM 2 STARTING:

  • From Monday 11th January 2027 to Monday 8th February 2027, 15:00 to 17:00 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Monday 22nd February 2027 to Monday 23rd March 2027, 15:00 to 17:00 – Northumberland Avenue

TERM 3 STARTING:

  • From Monday 19th April 2027 to Monday 17th May 2027, 15:00 to 17:00 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Monday 24th May 2027 to Monday 28th June 2027, 15:00 to 17:00 – Northumberland Avenue

Course Fee: £19*

*This course is free to eligible learners

Come along and explore the joys of drawing, painting, and mixed media in a friendly and relaxing environment. This course is designed to build confidence and improve skills in various artistic techniques, from drawing to painting and combining media.

The tutor-led sessions are suitable for all abilities, including complete beginners. In addition to developing creative skills, the course promotes wellbeing, offering a therapeutic and enjoyable experience. Materials are provided.

TERM 1 STARTING:

  • From Monday 14th September 2026 to Monday 23rd November 2026, 10:00 to 12:00 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Tuesday 15th September 2026 to Tuesday 24th November 2026, 10:00 to 12:000 – Northumberland Avenue

TERM 2 STARTING:

  • From Monday 11th January 2027 to Monday 22nd March 2027, 10:00 to 12:00 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Tuesday 12th January 2027 to Tuesday 24th March 2027, 10:00 to 12:00 – Northumberland Avenue

TERM 3 STARTING:

  • From Monday 19th April 2027 to Monday 28th June 2027, 10:00 to 12:00 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Tuesday 20th April 2027 to Tuesday 29th June 2027, 10:00 to 12:00 – Northumberland Avenue

Course Fee: £19*

*This course is free to eligible learners

This course focuses on preparing healthy and nutritious meals on a budget.

As well as gaining cooking skills and confidence in the kitchen, participants will learn effective strategies for meal planning, budgeting, and shopping to create balanced meals that promote health and wellbeing.

TERM 1 STARTING:

  • From Wednesday 23rd September 2026 to Wednesday 21st October 2026, 13:00 to 15:00 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Wednesday 4th November 2026 to Wednesday 2nd December 2026, 13:00 to 15:00 – Northumberland Avenue

TERM 2 STARTING:

  • From Wednesday 13th January 2027 to Wednesday 10th February 2027, 13:00 to 15:00 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Wednesday 24th February 2027 to Wednesday 24th March 2027, 13:00 to 15:00 – Northumberland Avenue

TERM 3 STARTING:

  • From Wednesday 21st April 2027 to Wednesday 19th May 2027, 13:00 to 15:00 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Wednesday 26th May 2027 to Wednesday 30th June 2027, 13:00 to 15:00 – Northumberland Avenue

Course Fee: £19*

*This course is free to eligible learners

This friendly, inclusive course is for anyone who wants to learn sewing or build their skills in a relaxed, supportive space. Using both hand and machine techniques, you’ll develop basic skills through to simple garment making and homeware projects.

Sessions are practical and paced to suit you, with plenty of guidance throughout. You’ll explore stitching techniques while enjoying the calming, creative process of making, supporting confidence and wellbeing.

Progression routes onto our Artisan Fashion & Textiles courses are available when you’re ready.

TERM 1 STARTING:

  • From Friday 18th September 2026 to Friday 27th November 2026, 10:00 to 12:00 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Friday 18th September 2026 to Friday 27th November 2026, 12:30 to 14:30 – Northumberland Avenue

TERM 2 STARTING:

  • From Friday 15th January 2027 to Friday 19th March 2027, 10:00 to 12:00 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Friday 15th January 2027 to Friday 19th March 2027, 12:30 to 14:30 – Northumberland Avenue

TERM 3 STARTING:

  • From Friday 23rd April 2027 to Thursday 2nd July 2027, 10:00 to 12:00 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Friday 23rd April 2027 to Thursday 2nd July 2027, 12:30 to 14:30 – Northumberland Avenue

Course Fee: £19*

*This course is free to eligible learners

Take time for yourself and explore the therapeutic benefits of working with clay in this relaxing and creative five-week course.

Designed to support mindfulness and wellbeing, these sessions will encourage you to slow down, connect with the material, and enjoy the tactile process of hand-building and surface decoration.

Through simple techniques such as pinch pots, coiling, and slab work, you will create unique ceramic pieces in a calm and supportive environment.

No prior experience is needed, just a willingness to experiment and enjoy the soothing qualities of clay.

All materials provided, with pieces fired and ready to collect after the course.

TERM 1 STARTING:

  • From Friday 18h September 2026 to Friday 16th October 2026, 10:30 to 12:30 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Friday 6th November 2026 to Friday 4th December 2026, 10:30 to 12:30 – Northumberland Avenue

To register please visit: Prospectus – Compass Recovery College

TERM 2 STARTING:

  • From Friday 15th January 2027 to Friday 12th February 2027, 10:30 to 12:30 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Friday 26th February 2027 to Friday 19th March 2027, 10:30 to 12:30 – Northumberland Avenue

TERM 3 STARTING:

  • From Friday 23rd April 2027 to Friday 2nd July 2027, 10:30 to 12:30 – Northumberland Avenue
  • From Friday 23rd April 2027 to Friday 2nd July 2027, 10:30 to 12:30 – Northumberland Avenue

Course Fee: £19*

*This course is free to eligible learners

Take time to slow down, connect with others and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of drawing as we explore the delights of Reading Museum. Each session will focus on a different aspect of the museum’s collection, offering inspiration for creativity, observation and conversation.
 
These informal, tutor-led sessions provide a welcoming and supportive space to relax, be creative and build confidence. With guidance and prompts from the tutor, you will experiment with a range of observational drawing techniques and approaches while developing your own unique artistic style.
 
These sessions are part of our Community, Arts & Wellbeing Programme. As the workshops are free to attend, we will ask to see identification to confirm your eligibility before your place is confirmed.
 
Bring along your sketchbook and preferred drawing materials.
 

TERM 1 STARTING:

  • On Friday 18th September 2026 from 10:00 to 12:00 – Reading Museum
  • On Friday 16th October 2026 from 10:00 to 12:00 – Reading Museum
  • On Friday 20th November 2026 from 10:00 to 12:00 – Reading Museum

TERM 2 STARTING:

  • On Friday 15th January 2027 from 10:00 to 12:00 – Reading Museum
  • On Friday 12th February 2027 from 10:00 to 12:00 – Reading Museum
  • On Friday 19th March 2027 from 10:00 to 12:00 – Reading Museum

TERM 3 STARTING:

  • On Friday 23rd April 2027 from 10:00 to 12:00 – Reading Museum
  • On Friday 21st May 2027 from 10:00 to 12:00 – Reading Museum
  • On Friday 18th June 2027 from 10:00 to 12:00 – Reading Museum
  • On Friday 9th July 2027 from 10:00 to 12:00 – Reading Museum

To register please visit: Art Classes In Partnership With Reading Museum! – New Directions College

Course Fee: £19*

*This course is free to eligible learners

Please send us a message if you have any questions or require further assistance.

Alternatively you can call us on 0345 842 0012, or email newdirections@reading.gov.uk