By KLTV Newsdesk – 

Workers’ Educational Association says government funding reductions could worsen mental health, delay NHS recovery, and keep vulnerable adults out of work.

Cuts to adult learning represent a “false economy” and will have damaging ripple effects across the NHS and welfare system, a leading education charity has warned.

According to the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA), upcoming reductions to the Adult Skills Fund will mean tens of thousands of adult learners will lose access to courses that support mental health, improve employability, and reduce dependence on public services.

Published today, the WEA’s Impact Report highlights how adult education is often a lifeline for the most vulnerable. With the Department for Education confirming a 6% central cut and a 2–3% reduction across devolved mayoral areas, the charity estimates the loss of 100,000 adult learning places in the coming year.

Mental Health Support Under Threat

The report underscores the vital role adult education plays in supporting mental health. Nearly half (47%) of learners with a long-term physical or mental health condition reported using their course to help manage symptoms.

Three-quarters (74%) of the 1,690 adult learners surveyed said their courses helped reduce or manage stress. Among those with existing mental health issues, 84% said that participation in adult education improved their well-being.

In addition, 35% of the most disadvantaged learners reported a reduction in their use of healthcare services after enrolling on a course.

Frontline Tool

Simon Parkinson, CEO and general secretary of the WEA, said that removing funding from adult education is short-sighted.

“Adult learning isn’t a side issue – it’s a frontline tool,” he said. “The impact of our work goes well beyond the classroom.

Cutting spending on adult education will, in the long term, make it harder for the government to realise its Plan for Change, which includes a reduction in NHS waiting times and an increase in disposable household income.

Our learners tell us that adult education courses change their lives – and the data proves it.

But we now need a policy and funding environment that reflects the true value of what learning can deliver across health, inclusion, employment and community wellbeing.”

Tackling Unemployment in Post-Industrial Regions

In many areas where the WEA operates – such as former coalfield communities in County Durham, Yorkshire, Staffordshire, and the North Midlands – 86% of working-age learners are unemployed. Many learners arrive without A-levels or equivalent qualifications. In Barnsley, that figure rises to 95%.

Most students take courses that boost confidence and improve basic skills, which serve as stepping stones to employment or further training. After completing their initial course, 76% of learners express interest in pursuing more qualifications.

“Being Here Has Made Me Realise I’m Not Alone”

The report also shares powerful testimonies from individuals whose lives have been transformed through adult learning.

Josh, a former construction worker, turned to alcohol after a series of personal losses and ended up serving time in prison after setting fire to his home. Following his release, he joined a Ways to Wellbeing class.

“It’s been good to meet people and have a fresh circle of friends that won’t judge,” Josh said.

“These classes have kept me focused. Everyone goes through things, but being here has made me realise I’m not alone.”

Josh has since received a conditional offer to study art at university.

From Depression to New Career Path

Joanne, another learner, described how a sustainable cookery class lifted her from depression and helped her rebuild her life.

“I was down in the dumps and absolutely doing nothing,” she said. “I was just sitting watching TV all day, being miserable and boring and plain depressed.

“My friend said, ‘Just come along and see this cookery class.’ So I went and I absolutely loved it.”

Joanne went on to volunteer at a school breakfast club and is now training to become a teaching assistant.

“I’ve gone from cooking class to functional skills, English and maths, and now the teaching-assistant course,” she said. “It all started from one little class.”

Cuts Could Stall NHS and Welfare Goals

The Adult Skills Fund supports people aged 19 and over in gaining skills for employment, education or personal development.

While job-related training will be largely protected under the cuts, many personal-growth courses, which often act as gateways to work and improved wellbeing, are likely to be scaled back.

As the WEA’s latest findings show, such cuts risk undoing progress on NHS recovery, reducing long-term unemployment, and supporting those with complex needs.

The charity is calling for policy that recognises adult learning not just as education, but as a critical piece of the UK’s wider social infrastructure.

You can download and read the full report here.