It's that time of year when people start thinking about the year ahead and their futures, with thoughts turning to learning and training.
It's also that time of year when we unveil our raft of free adult learning courses for the year ahead with opportunities for building language, employability and community skills.
Courses include English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), maths and others focused directly on improving employability skills and giving people an idea of what different careers may offer.
The community of North Kensington is hugely multicultural with people from 120 different countries among its 39,000 residents. Evidence shows that stronger language skills and more active roles in the community give people more opportunities in terms of job-seeking and Westway Trust provides courses focused on this.
Elena, a current Westway learner, explains how she feels about her developing language skills:
It's very nice because if you have a language barrier it stops you introducing yourself, and if you can speak with people you will be more happy.
Elena, whose daughter plays in a creche on-site while she is in lessons, feels her stronger English skills help people find a role in society and can help them support their children, as well as help her get a job herself.
New courses give people the chance to explore how to develop careers in different areas, for example with Introduction to Working as a Carer, Introduction to Office and Customer Service Service Skills and Introduction to Volunteering.
Training is also offered for people looking at a career specifically in education, with Teaching Assistant courses available for people looking to build such a career.
There is also a greater emphasis on social skills as part of the Getting to Know Your Local Community courses, which support people as they find their feet in North Kensington and London - Westway aims to give learners opportunities to communicate, to learn and to participate.
A small number of courses start again in January and April so it is possible to register now and not start until then.
People who are interested in finding out more about courses are encouraged to come along to the main registration sessions.
They are as follows:
- At 1 Thorpe Close (under the Westway between Portobello Road and Ladbroke Grove, W10 5XL) on 3, 5, 10 and 12 September, between 10am-3pm.
- At St Cuthbert with St Matthias Children's Centre (Warwick Road, Earl's Court SW5 9UE) on 4 and 11 September, between 10am-1pm.
It is important to bring photo ID, National Insurance number and proof of any benefits people may receive.
Otherwise, people can register at 1 Thorpe Close on a Tuesday or a Thursday every week between 10am and 2pm.
For more information call 020 8962 5741 or email gigi.yacoub@westway.org. There are also more details at www.westway.org/learning.