Adult Learners' Forum for Aberdeenshire
Adult Learners Forum for Aberdeenshire represents the views of learners, giving them the opportunity to have a voice, discuss issues, engage with decision-makers, and contribute to improving and developing learning opportunities.
Our five main aims are to:
- Increase awareness of adult learning opportunities
- Remove stigma around adult learning.
- Encourage others to take up learning opportunities.
- Influence decision making around adult learning.
- Encourage positive conversations on adult learning.
We hope you enjoy reading more about us and please just get in touch, if you would like to come along to a meeting or an event, or consult with us on adult learning matters, we would love to hear from you. Email: Caithleen.Bell@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Adult Learners Forum for Aberdeenshire represents the views of learners, giving them the opportunity to have a voice, discuss issues, engage with decision-makers, and contribute to improving and developing learning opportunities.
Our five main aims are to:
- Increase awareness of adult learning opportunities
- Remove stigma around adult learning.
- Encourage others to take up learning opportunities.
- Influence decision making around adult learning.
- Encourage positive conversations on adult learning.
We hope you enjoy reading more about us and please just get in touch, if you would like to come along to a meeting or an event, or consult with us on adult learning matters, we would love to hear from you. Email: Caithleen.Bell@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
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Mackie Academy Catchment (Stonehaven) Place Planning
Share Mackie Academy Catchment (Stonehaven) Place Planning on Facebook Share Mackie Academy Catchment (Stonehaven) Place Planning on Twitter Share Mackie Academy Catchment (Stonehaven) Place Planning on Linkedin Email Mackie Academy Catchment (Stonehaven) Place Planning linkThere is still time to contribute to the Mackie Academy Catchment (Stonehaven) Place Plan - Closes 15th August
As part of the Aberdeenshire Council Place Strategy, we will be working with you to create Place Plans for each academy town and the surrounding area. Stonehaven is the first of these for Kincardine and Mearns focusing on the Mackie Academy school catchment area.
The Mackie Academy Catchment (Stonehaven area) Place Plan will be built with the participation of people in Stonehaven and the surrounding area and will be delivered together with our partners in the NHS, Fire Service, Police Scotland and community groups.
Aberdeenshire’s towns have their own distinct priorities and identities. These should be recognised, and local actions should reflect local needs.
We will also be holding in-person public engagement events in Stonehaven and other settlements within the catchment area. Please check the Key Dates for information.
This is an opportunity for you to get involved, use your voice and influence the Mackie Academy Catchment (Stonehaven area) Place Plan.
You can:
take the survey
post a picture or photo of something you love where you live
We look forward to hearing from you
Mackie Academy Catchment (Stonehaven area) Place Plan Survey | Engage Aberdeenshire
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Live Life Aberdeenshire - Huntly Community Engagement
Share Live Life Aberdeenshire - Huntly Community Engagement on Facebook Share Live Life Aberdeenshire - Huntly Community Engagement on Twitter Share Live Life Aberdeenshire - Huntly Community Engagement on Linkedin Email Live Life Aberdeenshire - Huntly Community Engagement linkLive Life Aberdeenshire (LLA) is looking to the future - and we want your voice at the heart of it. As part of our ongoing commitment to support place planning in Huntly, we’re reviewing how our venues are used and how they could better serve the community.
This short survey is your chance to tell us about the venues we currently operate. We are also seeking to better understand the role of LLA in the context of the Huntly Campus Place Plan so that any recommendations for the LLA service in Huntly compliments work already carried out by the community.
So, whether you’re a regular user, a local group, or someone with fresh ideas, we’d love to hear from you.
We will use this feedback to shape the place-based vision for the LLA service, the appropriate use of our buildings, and opportunities for programme development.
More information about LLA can be found by visiting our website Live Life Aberdeenshire(External link), and by reading our 2024/25 Annual Report(External link).
The survey is open until Monday 18th August and the results will be used to inform the in-person engagement sessions which will be held at the Linden Centre on Saturday 23rd August from 10 am until 12 noon and Tuesday 26th August from 11 am until 1 pm and from 6 pm until 8 pm. -
Planning for Future Traveller Sites
Share Planning for Future Traveller Sites on Facebook Share Planning for Future Traveller Sites on Twitter Share Planning for Future Traveller Sites on Linkedin Email Planning for Future Traveller Sites linkIf you are a member of the Travelling community, Aberdeenshire Council would love to hear from you.
We’re planning for future Gypsy/Traveller sites in Aberdeenshire. We want to know:
Where new sites should go
What kind of sites are needed - permanent, transit or stopover
What should be on them - like toilets, showers or play areas
Your answers will help shape the next Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2029 to 2039. There will be opportunities for the wider community to get involved in the next stage of the consultation on the future Traveller site provision in Aberdeenshire in the Local Development Plan.
If you’d like to get involved or share your views in more detail, please email our Gypsy/Traveller Liaison Officer at:
gypsytravellerliaison@aberdeenshire.gov.uk(External link) or telephone 07795 238423.
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Adult Learning and Communities Learner Impact
Share Adult Learning and Communities Learner Impact on Facebook Share Adult Learning and Communities Learner Impact on Twitter Share Adult Learning and Communities Learner Impact on Linkedin Email Adult Learning and Communities Learner Impact linkAdult Learning and Communities Workers from the Community Learning and Development Service in Aberdeenshire work with adults to improve their literacies learning and skills for life. Here are some of their thoughts about learning with Community Learning and Development and the impact on their lives.
Published by Caithleen Bell - Senior Community Learning and Development Worker
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Kincardine and Mearns Learner’s Forum
Share Kincardine and Mearns Learner’s Forum on Facebook Share Kincardine and Mearns Learner’s Forum on Twitter Share Kincardine and Mearns Learner’s Forum on Linkedin Email Kincardine and Mearns Learner’s Forum linkInaugural Meeting, Thursday 20th March
Two learners attended a meeting held at Stonehaven Community Centre, they shared their experiences for adult learning with Community Learning and Development. We discussed the purpose, benefits, barriers and key issues of adult learning. We also explored their hopes for the future for Adult Learning in Kincardine and Mearns.
As this was their first meeting, an overview of the purpose of an Adult Learning Forum was shared with them, with an emphasis of them being the experts, encouraging them to share their opinions and have their voice heard.
Both learners would be keen to be part of the Kincardine and Mearns Adult Learners Forum and would be interested in joining discussions and events.
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November ALFA Meeting
Share November ALFA Meeting on Facebook Share November ALFA Meeting on Twitter Share November ALFA Meeting on Linkedin Email November ALFA Meeting linkAdult Learners Forum Aberdeenshire (ALFA) met on Tuesday 19th November to discuss plans and direction of travel for the remainder or 2024 and the first half of 2025.ALFA members were in agreement that the priority for the remainder of 2024 is to encourage Aberdeenshire adult learners to participate in the Budget Engagement for 2025/26 that Aberdeenshire Council has live on Engage Aberdeenshire.
Community Learning and Development Workers (CLD Workers) who support adult voice in our local communities have been tasked with supporting existing adult learners to understand their rights when it comes to having their voices heard in the budget setting process and to offer support with completing the consultation form if they choose to be involved. ALFA members will also promote this across their networks.
You can find out more about the budget engagement and complete the consultation questions by clicking here
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ALFA executive member Natalie Naylor on STV raising awareness of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
Share ALFA executive member Natalie Naylor on STV raising awareness of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) on Facebook Share ALFA executive member Natalie Naylor on STV raising awareness of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) on Twitter Share ALFA executive member Natalie Naylor on STV raising awareness of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) on Linkedin Email ALFA executive member Natalie Naylor on STV raising awareness of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) linkNatalie Naylor is an inspirational advocate for adult learning and a dedicated representative of the Marr Adult Learners’ Forum on Aberdeenshire’s Adult Learners' Forum (ALFA). On the evening of September 10th, Natalie appeared on STV News to share her powerful story about living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and to discuss why she founded a support group in Grampian for others facing the same challenges.
As a passionate activist, Natalie is committed to making a positive impact by improving life chances and creating opportunities for informal learning, personal growth and social development. Her tireless advocacy, volunteer work and dedication to peer support are truly commendable.
We want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Natalie for her incredible efforts in raising awareness, supporting others, and championing lifelong learning and peer support. Well done, Natalie!
You can watch the STV news piece here on YouTube:
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Marr: Huntly learners coming together to make a difference
Share Marr: Huntly learners coming together to make a difference on Facebook Share Marr: Huntly learners coming together to make a difference on Twitter Share Marr: Huntly learners coming together to make a difference on Linkedin Email Marr: Huntly learners coming together to make a difference linkOver the past few months, adult learners in Huntly, Marr have come together twice to form a new forum aimed at fostering growth and connection among learners in the area. This initiative seeks to amplify learner voices and support the development of adult learning opportunities within the community.
The first gathering brought together seven members at the Square Deal, where they had the chance to get to know each other and discuss their personal learning experiences. They also reviewed findings from a local survey on adult learning, which sparked conversations on how best to address the needs of learners in Huntly and Marr.
During both meetings, members explored a variety of topics, such as understanding group constitutions, brainstorming funding opportunities and discussing how to support the forum's objectives. The group would like to establish a mentoring programme, organise award ceremonies and host events to promote lifelong learning in the area.
David, a new member of the Huntly / Marr Adult Learners’ Forum, shared his enthusiasm, saying,
"Adult learning is crucial, and I’m proud to be part of this group. Learning benefits everyone, and it’s important that we ensure local people have access to opportunities that can improve their lives."
The forum is a promising step towards strengthening adult learning in Huntly and Marr, creating a supportive network for those seeking to continue their educational journeys.
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Local learners connecting with and informing local learning providers in Kincardine and Mearns
Share Local learners connecting with and informing local learning providers in Kincardine and Mearns on Facebook Share Local learners connecting with and informing local learning providers in Kincardine and Mearns on Twitter Share Local learners connecting with and informing local learning providers in Kincardine and Mearns on Linkedin Email Local learners connecting with and informing local learning providers in Kincardine and Mearns linkA massive step forward in learner voice was taken on the 3rd September when a member of the Kincardine and Mearns’ learners’ forum, with support of ALFA colleagues, joined the local learning partnership meeting with the aim of informing and influencing local learning.
Both learner voice activists shared the views of learners from the Kincardine and Mearns area in terms of the big issues, benefits, barriers and hopes for the future of Adult Learning.
All 6 specific area reports and the Aberdeenshire wide report are available on the Adult Learners' Forum for Aberdeenshire | Engage Aberdeenshire page.
Our Kincardine and Mearns learner voice representative and ALFA member, Mandy Anderson said,
"It was a privilege to be asked to represent ALFA, providing a fantastic opportunity to showcase what adult learners truly desire and can accomplish. While the thought of delivering the findings to the Learner Partnership meeting was daunting, it was an important step in highlighting the needs and aspirations of adult learners."
To find out more about Aberdeenshire Community Learning Partnership, visit: Aberdeenshire Learning Community Partnership | Engage Aberdeenshire
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Latest News: Learner Voice Survey Findings Published
Share Latest News: Learner Voice Survey Findings Published on Facebook Share Latest News: Learner Voice Survey Findings Published on Twitter Share Latest News: Learner Voice Survey Findings Published on Linkedin Email Latest News: Learner Voice Survey Findings Published linkIn collaboration with CLD, the Adult Learners’ Forum for Aberdeenshire (ALFA) co-designed a survey and consulted community-based learners, both in person and online, during May and June 2024. The goal of the survey was to explore the benefits, barriers, concerns and aspirations surrounding community-based adult learning.
A total of 58 adults from all six administrative areas of Aberdeenshire participated in the consultation. The key findings emphasise the crucial role that community-based adult learning plays for all respondents.
Respondents highlighted numerous benefits of adult learning, including increased confidence, improved mental health and wellbeing, the acquisition and application of new skills, attainment of new qualifications and certificates, and enhanced employability prospects.
However, significant barriers to accessing community-based adult learning were also identified. These included limited awareness of available opportunities, the lack of suitable programmes, as well as practical challenges such as transportation, childcare, and poor digital connectivity or access to necessary equipment.
Participants expressed their aspirations for the future of adult learning, including:
- “Adult learning needs to be more visible. We searched everywhere and couldn’t find much information about it.”
- “Let’s remove the stigma surrounding adult education and make it accessible to everyone, regardless of background or occupation—whether it’s someone working in the fields or a person employed in a factory.”
For more insights into learners’ views on community-based adult learning, please refer to the six area-specific reports available in the documents section of this project page.
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Who's Listening
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Senior Community Learning and Development Worker
Aberdeenshire Council
Phone 07557 171 907 Email caithleen.bell@aberdeenshire.gov.uk -
Senior Community Learning and Development Worker
Aberdeenshire Council
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Senior Community Learning and Development Worker
Aberdeenshire Council
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2024-2025 Community Learning and Development Service Report
2024 Adult Learning Survey Reports
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2024 Adult Learning Survey Reports
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Adult Learning Survey Shirewide Report (164 KB) (pdf)
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Adult Learning Survey Banff and Buchan Report (149 KB) (pdf)
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Adult Learning Survey Buchan Report (156 KB) (pdf)
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Adult Learning Survey Formartine Report (156 KB) (pdf)
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Adult Learning Survey Garioch Report (152 KB) (pdf)
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Adult Learning Survey Kincardine and Mearns Report (153 KB) (pdf)
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Adult Learning Survey Marr Report (154 KB) (pdf)
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Timeline
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2021
Adult Learners' Forum for Aberdeenshire has finished this stageAdult Learners Forum for Aberdeenshire was formed. The forum provides adult learners with opportunities to have their voices heard, discuss issues and engage with decision makers.
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2022
Adult Learners' Forum for Aberdeenshire has finished this stageThroughout 2022 forums members contributed to Community Learning and Development Adult Learning events.
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2023
Adult Learners' Forum for Aberdeenshire has finished this stageForum members researched common issues and concerns for adult learners in Aberdeenshire.
New forum members were recruited.
Engage Aberdeenshire was launched.
Celebration of learning was hosted by the learners forum. Bringing together 80 learners to talk about all things adult learning.
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2024
Adult Learners' Forum for Aberdeenshire is currently at this stageForum members developed a strategy for widening representation and participation.
Forum members facilitated online sessions on learner voice and the benefits of joining local learner forums.
Forum is shortlisted and then wins Adult Learning Group Award during #ALW24
Adult Learning Consultation completed. Te survey explored the benefits, barriers, concerns and aspirations surrounding community based adult learning.
Adult learners contributed to the budget setting process of Aberdeenshire Council
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2025
this is an upcoming stage for Adult Learners' Forum for AberdeenshireKincardine and Mearns hold their inaugural meeting.
Adult learners contribute their voices to consultations around local transport, advice services and sheltered housing
Learners in Turriff, Banff, Macduff and Stonehaven are supported to have their voices heard as part of place planning.
Community Learning and Development staff are working locally to identify and support learners who need support to have their voices heard