Community Learning Programme
Community Learning, also known as community-based education or community learning & development, is an organization's programs to promote learning and social development work with individuals and groups in their communities using a range of formal and informal methods. A common defining feature is that programmes and activities are developed in dialogue with communities and participants. The purpose of community learning and development is to develop the capacity of individuals and groups of all ages through their actions, the capacity of communities, to improve their quality of life. Central to this is their ability to participate in democratic processes.
Community learning programmes can have significant and long-lasting effects on the mental health and wellbeing of people with mild to moderate mental health problems and should be protected from funding cuts. Education professionals have long recognised the potential benefits of adult and community learning on improving mental health and wellbeing.