As reported in last month’s MT, a national petition to secure the future of learning for older people is gathering pace with over 35,000 signatures – but more support is still needed.

The Association of Colleges, who launched the petition in March, says at least another 20,000 signatures are required before the document is presented to ministers in November.

The petition calls on Government to protect adult learning provision (and to close the 16 to 19 funding gap). It is backed by a wide range of charities and unions including Help the Aged, The National Pensioners Convention, the National Institute for Adult Education, Age Concern and the Women’s Institute.

The AoC campaign was unveiled in the face of widespread Government cuts to adult learning provision in England. An estimated 200,000 learning places in colleges have been lost this term after the Government imposed a £55m cut to college adult budgets, and the AoC warns that adult learning provision faces further substantial cutbacks next year unless the Government redirects resources.

“This petition is a key way in which those who care about the future of adult learning in this country can voice their concern and let Government know these cuts are unacceptable,” maintains Lisa Dubow, AoC’s campaigns officer.

Jennifer Adshead, director of education and training for the National Federation of Women’s Institutes, is calling on the WI’s 215,000 members to make their opposition to changes clear by signing the petition. “We are galvanising support against these cuts,” she said. “There is certainly a lot of anger among our members.

“People may denigrate courses such as flower arranging or quilting and patchworking. But they often build confidence that leads to vocational qualifications and employment. It is very short-sighted to cut such provision.”

North Lincolnshire Adult Education Service is one of many providers across the country who have gathered signatures of support for the campaign. John Lowden, Deputy Head of the service, says that any drive to persuade national Government to look again at funding should be backed.

“Adult learning, in particular for people over 60, is really valuable. The older adults who we have coming into our service tell us of the wide range of benefits. Somebody doing yoga, for instance, is keeping themselves fit and away from the health service. Someone tackling a computer for the first time is learning a new skill and enriching their life.”

Joe Harris, National Pensioners Convention general secretary points out that the importance of keeping active in retirement is well documented.

“Adult education courses play a vital part in enabling older people to discover new talents, learn new skills and widen their horizons. I urge everyone - young and old - to support the petition to ensure that learning is for life. With your support we can help make education an important aspect for everyone in retirement."

London pensioner Iona Tremlett, whose college was forced to cut French lessons due to the funding cuts, described the classes as an “absolute god-send.

“It’s not just about building new skills….the course was an easy way to meet new people.”

All the indications are that worse is to come next year, when Government policies look set to slice at least another 200,000 adult places, forcing yet more cuts or fee hikes. Older people in particular will be affected. If you and your current classmates want to register your concern, you should start mobilising your views now for airing with your local MP.

In addition, you can add your name to AoC’s petition.  Readers can sign the petition at www.aoc.co.uk or request a paper version on 020 7827 4600.