The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group is enabling adults to upskill or retrain from the comfort of their own homes, with its brand-new range of Free Online Learning programmes.

Adding to its expansive Free Online Learning offer, the Group’s new programmes are designed to enable adults to enhance their skills and knowledge in a range of key areas.

As society aims to tackle an increasing mental health crisis, mental health first aid is a growing phenomenon and is why the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group has launched a brand-new Level 2 programme in Mental Health First Aid and Well-Being Advocacy.

The course will prepare those caring for those with ill mental health in a variety of areas, including common problems such as depression and anxiety, to rare problems like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

For those who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the Group’s Level 2 Certificate in SEND explores the symptoms of specific conditions, legislation and guidance applicable to individuals with SEND, and how such conditions affect individuals in daily life.

Those who are seeking to upskill or start a career within the marketing and business sector will have the opportunity to take two new programmes in Digital Marketing and Events Planning.

Designed to provide learners with the skills required to plan, organise and evaluate events, the Level 2 Certificate in Event Planning will cover a range of topics including marketing methods and resources, market research, human resources, communication and customer service.

Whereas the Level 2 Certificate in Digital Marketing will enable learners to understand what digital marketing is, why it is important and how it can impact upon business growth.

Lorraine Cross, Group Executive Director for External Partnerships, Skills and Apprenticeships at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said:

“We are always looking to evolve and expand our Free Online Learning offer to the meet the needs of today’s labour market, as well as the interests and prospects of people across the nation."

"These brand-new courses are a rich addition to our existing provision and can provide learners with a path to upskill or kickstart a career in a variety of sectors or simply learn something new, for free. The nature of the courses also mean they can be carried out flexibly alongside employment, raising a family or other commitments, all from the comfort of the learners’ home.”

In the coming months, the Group will also be launching a Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of the Mental Health Care Worker, which is ideal for learners looking to develop their understanding of mental health and the approaches to care and management of it.

A Level 2 Certificate in Living in a Fair and Diverse Society will also be available for those who are interested in improving their knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusivity and British Values, as well as a Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Dignity and Safeguarding in Adult Health and Social Care.

These new courses add to the Group’s existing Free Online Learning offer, which includes programmes in business support, childcare and young people, healthcare and social care and health and wellbeing.

The Group’s Free Online Learning courses are delivered using workbooks and range of online assessments, meaning there is no need for learners to formally attend college. Learners will be provided with a knowledgeable tutor who will support them throughout their course, providing feedback and guidance where necessary.

The courses are free subject to the eligibility criteria being met by the learner and that the courses are completed within the given deadline.