The New Start blog has a super post from the excellent John Field on the contribution of adult learning to wellbeing and, with regard to policy, his thoughts on 'the damage of the last ten years'. His latest research illustrates the role of adult learning in wellbeing:
'It has a direct impact on people's sense of agency: statistical studies, observational research and interviews all show that people who take up learning as adults become more confident and more purposive about the future. It also improves people's resilience, making them more resourceful and more likely to take action if faced by trouble.
'Adult learning also has an indirect impact on wellbeing. Evidence from research on adults' lives over time shows that people who take courses are, all other things being equal, more likely to find relatively secure jobs. They are also more likely to join voluntary organisations and clubs of all kinds, as well as taking a greater interest in public issues - and are more likely to believe that they themselves can influence public decisions.'
