Two orange ink splatters in the corner of a square white graphic. Black and orange font are in the centre of the graphic with a yellow sun peaking above the font. The font says, OUR NEW Alley way Learning Project IS COMING SOON. Making learning accessible to our local community.

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

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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.

Two people are pictured in a classroom setting: a man wearing a blue button up shirt with a gilet smiles and looks down at a book as a woman on the right wearing a black hairband and coral t-shirt points to the same book. This image is within a splatter paint shape in the centre of the graphic with orange squiggly designs placed on either side.

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.

A hand hovered over a black and white chess board holding a white chess piece. This image is within a splatter paint shape in the centre of the graphic with orange squiggly designs placed on either side.

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.

A woman sits on a beige couch with a blue pillow. She has long hair and wearing a white button up shirt and is holding her credit card up and smiling as she makes a payment on her laptop. This image is within a splatter paint shape in the centre of the graphic with orange squiggly designs placed on either side.

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.

A man is sat at a desk holding a pen and paper as he speaks to a student on an iPad screen. This image is within a splatter paint shape in the centre of the graphic with orange squiggly designs placed on either side.

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.

A group of people sit in a conference room at a table with an iPad. They are reading off of sheets of paper and teaching each other by pointing at things on the paper sitting on the table. This image is within a splatter paint shape in the centre of the graphic with orange squiggly designs placed on either side.

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

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Join us to learn the Foundations of Self Defence

Orange splatter paint with orange and black text on a white background.

Join us for an English language cafe!

Orange splatter paint with orange and black text on a white background.

Join us for a collaging workshop on self portraiture!

Orange splatter paint with orange and black text on a white background.

Join us to learn the History of Palmistry


View our past events

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PAST EVENT: Join us for a women's wellbeing workshop

Orange splatter paint with orange and black text on a white background.

PAST EVENT: Join us for Chinese Calligraphy 101

Orange splatter paint with orange and black text on a white background.

Past event: Join us for a beginners learning session on how to preserve food!

Orange splatter paint with orange and black text on a white background.

Past event: Join us for an introductory session to learn how to play chess!

Orange splatter paint with orange and black text on a white background.

PAST EVENT: Join us for a beginners session of Colombian Folklore Dance!

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Join us for an introductory workshop to Hastings local history!

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Join us for an introductory workshop to hand sewn patchwork cushions!


Express Your Interest To Teach!

An image of a person of colour with short afro hair and round spectacles sits at a desk with a computer reading. They have a patterned button up on with flowers and geometric shapes. The Image is in a splatter paint shape against an orange background with brown squiggly lines.

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

Learning Topics

Payment

Venues and Times

Accessibility

*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)

Contact Us

Email
santi@hastingscommons.com

Telephone
01424 235600

The Team

Creative Lead
Gini Simpson

Programme Coordinator
Santi Sorrenti

Programme Producer
Katie Dale-Everett