October has been a busy and enjoyable month at Reading Community Learning Centre (RCLC), with our learners taking part in a wonderful range of activities promoting physical health, mental wellbeing, creativity and social connections.

With International Day of Older Persons on 1 October and World Mental Health Day on 10 October, it has been a particularly fitting month to highlight the importance of supporting women’s health and wellbeing, especially older women who may experience loneliness, language barriers and difficulties accessing services.

Looking Ahead with Vision Books

Our learners enjoyed getting creative by making their own vision books, reflecting on their hopes, dreams, personal goals and aspirations for the future.

The activity encouraged women to think positively about their achievements and what they would like to accomplish, while sharing ideas and enjoying time together.

Supporting Older Learners to Access Flu Vaccinations

As part of our commitment to promoting good health and reducing barriers to healthcare, our older learners were supported on a class trip to receive their flu vaccinations ahead of the winter months.

For some of the women we support, language barriers, limited confidence and unfamiliarity with healthcare services can make accessing appointments challenging.

Attending together as a group provided reassurance, practical support and an opportunity to promote the importance of preventative healthcare.

Gardening for Health and Wellbeing at The MERL

Our learners have also been enjoying autumn gardening workshops at the University of Reading’s Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL).

The workshops provided opportunities to:

• Share knowledge about flowers, herbs and plants that support health and wellbeing.
• Learn how to grow fresh herbs and salads, even in small spaces.
• Enjoy relaxing nature-based crafts and creative activities.
• Connect with others through shared experiences and learning.

These sessions have been a lovely way for women to spend time in nature, develop practical skills, share knowledge from different cultures and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of gardening.

A big thank you to The MERL for continuing to provide such welcoming and enriching opportunities for our learners.

Breathing and Relaxation Workshop with Project Salama

We were delighted to welcome Sheena from Project Salama, who delivered a breathing and relaxation workshop for our learners.

The session introduced simple, practical techniques to help women relax, manage stress and take time for themselves.

For women balancing family responsibilities, financial pressures, isolation and other challenges, having opportunities to focus on their own mental health and wellbeing is particularly important.

Our sincere thanks to Sheena and Project Salama for supporting our learners and sharing these valuable techniques.

Celebrating Older People at Broad Street Mall

To mark International Day of Older Persons, our learners also enjoyed a class trip to the Older Persons’ Day event at Broad Street Mall, organised by Reading’s Older People’s Working Group with Reading Borough Council and local partners.

The event was a wonderful opportunity for our older learners to find out about local services and activities, meet people from the wider community and celebrate the important contribution older people make to society.

At RCLC, we recognise that older women, particularly those from migrant and ethnic minority communities, can face additional barriers to accessing information, activities and support. Opportunities like this help women feel more connected, included and confident participating in community life.

More Than Just Learning

At RCLC, our work extends far beyond teaching English and other practical skills.

We believe that good health, emotional wellbeing, confidence, friendship and a sense of belonging are all essential to helping women thrive.

Through activities like these, we aim to reduce social isolation, encourage healthier lifestyles, improve access to services and create opportunities for women of all ages and backgrounds to learn from one another.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to The MERL, Project Salama, Reading’s Older People’s Working Group, Reading Borough Council and everyone involved in supporting these activities.

Most importantly, thank you to our wonderful learners for their enthusiasm, participation and willingness to try new experiences.

October has been a lovely reminder that learning, wellbeing and community connection go hand in hand! 💜