The Alley Way Learning Programme is a new community learning project by Hastings Commons. We are a new programme that makes learning accessible and inclusive for local communities and people. We take learning out of usual educational environments and create learning spaces that empower people with new skills, builds a supportive community network, and grows confidence.
What We Do
Community Cohesion
(Building Connections)
We help combat isolation, loneliness and create community cohesion by breaking down social barriers, where people learn and share together, thereby increasing individual well-being and fostering new connections between diverse local communities.
Accessible Learning
(Learning For All)
The five alleyways of learning ( Digital, Sensory, Casual, Audio, Visual) honour the different ways in which people learn and engage with knowledge. Our classes are taken out of traditional learning environments and are delivered in creative and innovative ways that make learning accessible, inclusive and diverse so everyone can engage with them.
Creative Topics
(Try New Things)
From chess playing, to knot tying, or line dancing to makeup classes. We offer a range of classes for a variety of different interests. Our programme is meant to spark new conversations and to create environments for learning exciting and new skills.
Affordable Classes
(Support To Attend Available)
Programme classes are financially accessible at only £6 (around the cost of a pint!) per class including materials. We have low cost and free options for people who are struggling to afford any ticket fees. We want to ensure that everyone in Hastings can access our programme.
Teacher Support
(No Teaching Experience Needed)
We want to stress that teaching experience isn't wanted! The only requirement is that you people are passionate about a subject and want to share it with others. With online mentoring, a bespoke teachers handbook and ongoing communication with our teachers, we ensure that everyone feels supported to deliver their class. We offer help with prep work, class delivery and a space for teachers to provide feedback after the sessions.
Learning Legacy
(Looking To The Future)
The Alley Way Learning Programme is a 6 month long pilot project. But our work doesn't stop at the end of the year. We are building community by creating ongoing resources for local communities to learn from after the project is completed. We also will be working with teachers to ensure that they can continue their teaching in their own local communities. Watch this space for testimonials, new resources and more, later in the year.
Join our Community Events & Workshops
Join us to learn the Foundations of Self Defence
Have you always wanted to learn self-defence techniquest? Do you have a general interest in combat sports? Join us for this hands-on workshop that focuses on the Foundations of Self Defence with Georgjis Rogolevs.
This is an introductory session. No prior experience needed. Wear comfy clothes! This workshop is in collaboration with 1066 Crossfit Studio in Gotham Alley.
Connect with others, learn something new and leave feeling more confident!
Find out more information and book your ticket on Eventbrite.
Join us for an English language cafe!
Do you want to practice your English language skills? Come and join us for this English Language Conversation Cafe in this discussion based workshop with Viktoriia.
This is an introductory session to practice and learn English skills. No experience necessary. Materials provided.
Chat and meet new friends!
Find out more information and book a ticket on Eventbrite.
Join us for a collaging workshop on self portraiture!
Looking to get crafty? Come and learn the art of Self Portraits: A Collaging Workshop in this hands-on workshop with Jo.
This is an introductory session. No prior experience needed and materials provided. We do encourage you to print print outs of self/family photos and any other pre-cut images you might want to use for your self portrait.
Meet new friends, a new craft skill and bring home a new art piece for your walls!
Find out more information and book a ticket on Eventbrite.
Join us to learn the History of Palmistry
Ever wondered where the art of palmistry originated? Join us for this special workshop that focuses on Learning the History and Foundations of Palmistry in this relaxed and cozy discussion based workshop with Danny Dee who will put new skills right into your hands.
This is an introductory session. No prior experience needed.
Connect with others, learn something new and leave feeling more confident!
Find out more information and book your ticket on Eventbrite.
View our past events
PAST EVENT: Join us for a women's wellbeing workshop
Feeling like you need a pick me up, or well-being strategies to lead a more happy and content life? Join us for this special well-being workshop that focuses on Living A Happy and Content Life in this relaxed and discussion based women's well being space with Wendy Rowe.
This is an introductory session. No prior experience needed and materials provided. This workshop is in collaboration with the women's well-being circle that's hosted fortnightly at The Grumpy Cook.
Connect with others, learn new ways of finding hope and learn a new skill!
Find out more information and book your ticket on Eventbrite.
PAST EVENT: Join us for Chinese Calligraphy 101
Ready to dive into the world of beautiful strokes and artistic expressions? Come and learn the art of Chinese calligraphy in this hands-on workshop with Hastings local Kim Chau.
This is an introductory session to learn the basics of this ancient art form. No prior experience needed and materials provided.
During the event, you will get a chance to practice different calligraphy styles and techniques while discovering the rich history behind each brushstroke. Meet friends, try a new skills and take home your own masterpiece.
Find out more information and book your ticket on Eventbrite.
Past event: Join us for a beginners learning session on how to preserve food!
Have you always wondered how to preserve food, curious about managing food waste and food fermenting techniques? Come and learn the art of Food Preservation in this discussion based workshop with Hastings local and food enthusiast Penny Foxwell.
This is an introductory session to learn the basics of food preservation. No prior experience needed and materials provided.
Learn the traditional skills of preserving to be able to store, bottled, pickled and fermented vegetables and fruit simply and safely.
Meet friends, ask all of your burning questions, and learn a new skill!
Find out more information and book a ticket on Eventbrite.
Past event: Join us for an introductory session to learn how to play chess!
Have you always wanted to learn how to play chess? Join us for this special introductory workshop to Learn How To Play Chess in this relaxed and discussion based session for women and non-binary people!
This is an introductory session. No prior experience needed and materials provided. This workshop is taught by local chess play legend Jackie!
Connect with others, learn how to play a new skillful game and meet new friends!
Find out more information and book your ticket on Eventbrite.
PAST EVENT: Join us for a beginners session of Colombian Folklore Dance!
Do you want to learn the art of traditional dance forms? Come and learn the art of Colombian Folklore Dance in this sensory based workshop with Hastings local Marlyn Lopez.
This is an introductory session to learn the basics of traditional Colombian dance. No prior experience needed and materials provided.
Move your body to the beat of drums for well-being and explore the cultural traditions of Colombia.
Meet friends, feel energised, and learn a new skill!
Find out more information and book a ticket on Eventbrite.
Join us for an introductory workshop to Hastings local history!
Curious about our local history and want to hear other people's stories? Come and learn the History of Hastings and How to Welcome Newcomers to our Town in this discussion based workshop with Hastings history enthusiast Andre Palfrey-Martin.
This is an introductory session. No prior experience needed and materials provided.
Meet locals, build community, and learn something new!
Find out more information and book a ticket on Eventbrite.
Join us for an introductory workshop to hand sewn patchwork cushions!
Looking to learn a new creative hobby? Come and learn the art of Hand Sewn Patchwork Cushions in this hands-on workshop with Ruth, a self-taught artist and writer based in Clive Vale.
This is an introductory session. No prior experience needed and materials provided.
Meet locals, build community, and learn something new!
Find out more information and book a ticket on Eventbrite.
(SOLD OUT)
Express Your Interest To Teach!
We are looking for storytellers, hobbyists, people with special interests, alternative crafters, and more, to share your skills with your local community.
We are now looking to book knowledge sharers in for November/December 2024
No teaching experience wanted!
Examples: Lego building, knot tying, motorbike repair, baking, hair braiding, drawing enthusiasts. Barbering, Syrian cooking, knitting, collectors, train spotters and people interested in wilderness survival!
Register your interest to teach here: Alley Way Learning Teacher Sign Up Form
Other ways to apply:
Send in a video or recorded voice note via email to: santi@hastingscommons.com
Call in a submission: 01424 235600
Email santi@hastingscommons.com to register your place at the event or for support in filling out your application.
FAQS
Teachers
We are not looking for people with a teaching qualification. A teacher to us is someone who is passionate about a subject, hobby or skill that they would like to share with others. If speaking to a large group of people is something that does not interest you, we also have class environments that are relaxed, observational, involve independent activities, experiencing sensory spaces or engaging in casual chats.
We are keen to engage with people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Anyone can become a teacher. To register your interest to teach, you can fill out the google form on this page and/or reach out to Santi, our Programme Coordinator at santi@hastingscommons.com
No experience is wanted to teach. We want people who are passionate about their special interests and hobbies and to platform people in our community who haven't had a chance to share their knowledge. We support teachers with resources and mentoring before and after the workshops take place.
You are not guaranteed to teach once you have registered interest via our google form/email. We have limited spaces and we will select people via a a fair selection system at our steering group meetings. If you consent to us keeping your contact information, we are happy to contact you about future teaching opportunities or ways to get involved in other learning projects.
We are looking for anyone passionate about a particular subject, hobby or skill. We are especially interested in hearing from people whose perspectives and experiences are less often shared with the local community.
You can suggest a teacher via the same google form or you can email Santi: santi@hastingscommons.com
We are supporting teachers with a teachers handbook to support them in preparing for/delivering their workshop. We have online mentoring sessions and ongoing support following the workshops.
Learning Topics
Our programme encompasses topics of all kinds - there is no limit! From Syrian cooking, to hair braiding, lego building to surveying stamp collections. We are looking for anything that is creative, innovative or different - and that meets the demand of our local communities.
Yes, you can suggest a topic via email at Santi@hastingscommons.com
Yes. One of our pathways of learning will be a digital and online options. Please keep in mind that not all classes will be offered online; select subjects will.
Our five pathways of learning ensures that everyone has access to learning with Alley Way. Our pathways: digital, sensory, casual/discussion based, audio, visual learning.
We will be conducting a polling process at our steering group meetings to see what our members think are suitable topics that fit our local demand. We want to ensure that there are varied topics and that our teachers come from a diverse range of experiences. At our public community events, attendees have an opportunity to vote and propose themes which will help us come to our decision making.
Payment
Yes, teachers will be paid £50 for a one hour workshop. Young people under the age of 18 will be compensated with a gift card.
Yes, materials and travel fees will be covered by us. We do have a limited budget for this so please keep in mind that we only can provide a certain amount per workshop.
Our classes are at an affordable rate of £6 a session. We also have free spaces for anyone financially struggling and can provide tickets on a sliding scale basis.
Venues and Times
Classes will be held on any day or time. We will provide an array of options to suit your schedule.
Accessibility
Some of our classes will require English speaking such as classes offered in our audio and digital learning pathways, however many of our classes are adaptable to those whose first language isn't English, including the visual and sensory learning pathways of learning.
If you are under the age of 18, you will need be accompanied in class by our youth programme manager Sidney Ewing, or another staff member who is DBS checked.
You can be any age to teach a class. We would love to see young people and prioritise people who are 50+ for teaching our classes.
Yes, we will ensure that all our venues are physically accessible and that accessibility info is sent out well in advance of a class.
Yes, our sensory learning pathway is a great way for neurodivergent people to get involved. We also welcome access workers to support anyone teaching/learning with us and we can try our best to provide additional spaces like quiet rooms and different lighting options to accommodate your needs. Please keep in mind that this depends on the amenities available at the venue.
Alley Way Learning is all about creating inclusive and non judgmental spaces where everyone can be themselves. No discrimination, including racism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia or fat phobia is welcome in our spaces.
*Have a question that didn't get answered? Please get in touch with Santi: Santi@hastingscommons.com
"This is exciting. I feel like people my age don't get these opportunities"
(A prospective teacher from the local community)
The Team
Creative Lead
Gini Simpson
Programme Coordinator
Santi Sorrenti
Programme Producer
Katie Dale-Everett
Partners & Funders
National
The National Lottery Community Fund: Awards for all
Local
Chalk Cliff Trust