Hastings Commons have launched a new programme called ‘Alley Way Learning,’ and will be holding an open day on 10^th August between 11am – 1pm in Priory Meadow shopping centre (Queens Road, Hastings, TN34 1PH). The programme, which is designed to make learning accessible to the local community, takes inspiration and consultation from the successful Australian based Laneway Learning project. Alley Way Learning is an initiative to provide cost efficient and varied learning opportunities, with classes taught by those from the community: whether that’s local experts and business owners or just people who want to share their knowledge, skills, and/or cultural heritage with others. Through the project, Hastings Commons aims to build community, to inspire a network of knowledge exchange and to uplift communities in Hastings.

The four main goals of the project are:

To deliver a programme of classes that has something for everyone in welcoming spaces at an affordable rate.
To deliver up to thirty classes/workshops that span a variety of topics over 4 months.
To offer training and resources to new teachers.
To help combat isolation/loneliness and create community togetherness by breaking down social barriers, where people learn and share together, thereby increasing individual/community wellbeing and connection.

Learning will be delivered under five strands that create learning environments that accommodate different access needs within our community. There will be a focus on being able to provide classes for and by those for whom English is not their first language. Learning will vary from traditional hands-on workshops to movement activities through to digital learning (through online workshops), observational and conversation type lessons.

Alley Way Learning coordinator Santi Sorrenti will manage the programme. Santi is a (DIY) fashionista, grassroots organiser, and the Founder of G(end)er Swap-the first LGBTQ+ style outreach organisation in the UK that supports gender-diverse people to access clothes and style resources. Santi has been supporting the LGBTQ+ community via style outreach for seven years. Their work spans drag performance, delivering community workshops and diverse digital style content to create spaces where gender-diverse people can creatively explore, and find freedom in, authentic self-expression.

About the programme, Santi says,

“I feel honoured to be a part of this programme because it closely aligns with the work that I do in supporting LGBTQ+ people with style outreach services. My mission, in any community learning environment, is to always create an enriching learning experience for people where the opportunity to gain new knowledge and skills is available to all. We are so lucky to have so many creatives and makers, with lots of community events available in Hastings. We are, however, looking to connect with people who have not had a platform, or the right opportunity to deliver their knowledge. We hope through Alley Way learning to broaden the range of events in town”.

To learn more about the programme and how to get involved (as either a teacher or a participant, or both!) come along to the Alley Way Learning Community open day on 10^th August from 11am – 1pm at Priory Meadow. Book to attend the day for free here: https://shorturl.at/ZOv1C.

You can also learn more about the programme and register your interest to teach via our website: https://theobserverbuilding.org.uk/alley-way-learning/. The Alley Way Learning programme is particularly interested to hear from those who have not previously had the opportunity to share their skills and knowledge.

Can’t make our community day but want more information? Contact Santi: Santi@hastingscommons.com

This pilot programme was made possible thanks to the Awards For All programme by The National Lottery Fund and the Chalk Cliff Trust.