# Event Details - **Event Name**: WEA Connect and Learn 2026 - **Event Start and End Date**: Thu, 18 Jun, 2026 at 09:30 am – Thu, 18 Jun, 2026 at 05:30 pm - **Event Description**: Join us for this year's annual member and learner event to explore exciting workshops, listen to guest speakers and connect with new people.About this Event 'Because adults deserve better'. This year's event will focus on the links between lifelong learning and current societal issues. We can't wait to hear your views.Agenda?: 09:30 AM - 10:30 AMRegistration and refreshments ?: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AMOpening remarks with WEA CEO Simon Parkinson?: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PMWorkshop AM option 1: Bread and Banners too Info: Join glass artist and WEA tutor Keira McLean for a participatory workshop where we’ll learn about the meaning and symbolism behind trade union banners and have a go at designing our own!?: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PMWorkshop AM option 2: What's next for lifelong learning in ScotlandInfo: Six weeks on from the Scottish Parliament election WEA's Director of Scotland, Ray McCowan, will host a discussion exploring what the election results mean for the future of lifelong learning in Scotland.?: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PMWorkshop AM option 3: Meeting the needs of the North EastInfo: As the North East Combined Authority role out their new employment and skills vision for adult education, join our expert panel for a discussion on the challenges and opportunities this approach brings for learners and communities.?: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PMCelebrating partnership with Coalfields Regeneration TrustInfo: Longstanding WEA partner, Coalfields Regeneration Trust, are a community wealth building charity operating in Britain’s coalfield areas. They support coalfield communities to reach their full potential through programmes which focus on community, health, skills, jobs and the climate. Hear from colleagues about their impact in the North East and nationally.?: 12:30 PM - 01:30 PMBuffet lunch?: 01:30 PM - 02:15 PMAdults Deserve BetterInfo: Lifelong learning powers our skills, our confidence, our communities, our future. During periods of rebuilding and reinvention, governments treated adult learning as the catalyst for renewal. But somewhere along the way, learning stopped being a priority. Our keynote speakers will make the case for lifelong learning to be at the heart of policy making.?: 02:15 PM - 03:15 PMWorkshop PM option 1: Lifelong Learning Labs: Join the experiment!Info: Step into the lab and help us shape the future of lifelong learning. Together we'll explore the role lifelong leaning plays in tackling these core themes: health & wellbeing, connecting communities, cultural divides, creating good work, closing the skills gap and hate & disinformation.?: 02:15 PM - 03:15 PMWorkshop PM option 2: Writing poetry human vs AIInfo: Join WEA tutors Patrick O'Reilly and Sally Darlow for an interactive workshop providing tips for writing poetry and information on AI including what it is and how it can be used in poetry. At the end of the session, you'll compare human vs AI poetry and discover similarities and differences.?: 02:15 PM - 03:15 PMWorkshop PM option 3: Championing change: advocacy volunteering at WEAInfo: Join WEA volunteering manager, Lauren Yule-Kennedy to explore how advocacy can drive positive change in our communities. We’ll share our thinking so far on volunteer advocacy roles and invite you to help shape the direction of this emerging strategy.?: 03:15 PM - 03:30 PMRefreshment break ?: 03:30 PM - 04:00 PMPitman's Parliament keynote speech?: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PMClosing remarks Info: WEA CEO Simon Parkinson and WEA President Matt Pointon bring the day to an end by sharing their reflections?: 04:30 PM - 05:30 PMDrinks reception and networkingInfo: Our optional end of the day drinks reception gives attendees the chance to relax, network and explore Redhills - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/durham/wea-connect-and-learn-2026/100001987688379450 - **Event Categories**: workshops - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 - **Event Highlights**: - Duration: 8 hours - Location: Redhills Durham Miners Hall - Languages: English ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 50, currency: GBP ## Event venue details - **city**: Durham - **state**: EN - **country**: United Kingdom - **location**: Redhills Durham Miners Hall - **lat**: 54.777342 - **long**: -1.5873776 - **full address**: Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Flass Street, Durham, United Kingdom ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: WEA Connect and Learn 2026 - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events8/banners/b2ed5fb4a4652bddecbe7e0d6d4c536866190bc5306c0dc98ffb60cdb70022cc-rimg-w1012-h550-dc24394a-gmir.jpg?v=1776837904 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is WEA Connect and Learn 2026 being held? - **A:** WEA Connect and Learn 2026 takes place on Thu, 18 Jun, 2026 at 09:30 am to Thu, 18 Jun, 2026 at 05:30 pm at Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Flass Street, Durham, United Kingdom. - **Q**: Who is organizing WEA Connect and Learn 2026? - **A:** WEA Connect and Learn 2026 is organized by The WEA - Adult Learning Within Reach. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** WEA Connect and Learn 2026 is ideal for curious learners, students, and skill-builders looking to gain hands-on knowledge and practical expertise in a focused, interactive setting. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Durham, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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