A new chapter for adult learning in Harwich began last week as ACL Essex officially returned to the town after an eight-year absence.
In partnership with Essex Libraries, ACL Essex now has exclusive use of two purpose-built classrooms in the newly refurbished Harwich Library for three days a week. The launch was held on 9 October and featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event was attended by the Mayor of Harwich, ACL staff, library colleagues, Essex County Council officers, and councillors from both Essex County Council and Tendring District Council.
These new learning spaces are part of the library’s £1.16 million transformation, itself a key element of the wider £9 million Dovercourt Town Centre regeneration project.
The refurbishment has created flexible areas for events, workshops, and learning, with ACL Essex delivering a broad range of adult education courses from the mezzanine floor. Councillor Mark Durham, Essex County Councils Cabinet member for The Arts, Heritage and Culture said: “We’re really pleased to be able to offer residents access to a wide range of courses from Maths to health and wellbeing, plus training to help people get back into work, or progress their career.”
His thoughts were echoed by Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education, Lifelong Learning and Employability. He added: “Opening ACL Essex in Harwich is really exciting. We have two fantastic classrooms, up-to-date technology installed, with learners ready and waiting for the courses to start. It’s wonderful to bring ACL Essex and our facilities into Harwich town centre.”
Courses are already underway, with learners signing up for subjects including Maths, English, ESOL, IT skills, mental health and wellbeing, and creative arts.
Martina, an ACL Art Tutor, is looking forward to welcoming learners into the new space. She says: “What is marvellous about this space is its association with the library. It puts ACL Essex right in the heart of the community, so it’s a very exciting development for us.”
At the core of ACL’s mission is to help people gain the skills for them to realise their potential. Many learners sign-up to gain a GCSE, learn new digital skills or take a course to help them get a job or improve their career prospects.
Providing accessible learning to everyone is key as Johanne Swann, ACL Business Operations Lead for Data, from Harwich, commented: “Harwich can be remote for people who cannot travel, so ACL is bringing the knowledge and opportunity to them, so they don’t have to struggle to access it – it’s now on their doorstep!”
ACL Essex is currently delivering courses every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. It is also working with local venues, job centres, and schools to build referral routes and partnerships. The aim is to ensure residents can access the skills, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Courses Now Enrolling in Harwich
Residents can now sign up for a wide range of free and funded courses, including:
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
- Maths Functional Skills
- Digital Know-How: Desktop Digital Skills for Beginners
- IT Excel for Beginners
- Health and Wellbeing
- Building Self Confidence
- Managing Anxiety
- Introduction to Building Resilience
- Budgeting for Christmas
- Maths – Budgeting for Everyday Life
- Art Drawing and Painting
Courses run throughout autumn, winter, and spring, with flexible start dates and durations to suit learners’ needs.
To find out more or to enrol, visit www.aclessex.com. Or pop-in to the new centre and speak to a member of the ACL team.
