It’s never too late to learn a new skill, and there’s no better time to see what events and taster sessions are happening near you, than during Adult Learner’s Week between 13th and 19th June.

Adult Learners’ Week completes the two month celebration of learning with a national awards ceremony, a reception in Parliament, regional awards ceremonies and thousands of local events across the country.

Click here to find an event near you.

You never know, you may discover your hidden talents, make new friends or find a new hobby! You could even find a new job or a way to progress your career.

The event is backed by hundreds of supporters, partners and funders including the European Social Fund, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, BBC, Edge Foundation and NOCN.

Reasons to keep learning

• Engaging in part-time learning raises life satisfaction by £1,600 of income per year¹
• Adults engaged in learning become more involved in school life and improved their parenting skills, helping with communication and behaviour management²
• A nationwide survey has found the UK is a nation of ‘wannabe’ chefs and musicians³

Adult Learners’ Week is now in its 23rd year where it has inspired international Learners’ week celebrations across the world.

For further information on Adult Learners’ Week visit www.alw.org.uk

¹Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission (February 2013)
²An analysis of the effect of adult learning on different domains in life, NIACE, Leicester
³www.niace.org.uk

The Gypsy, Roma Traveller History Month runs from the 1st – 30th June 2015. It aims to raise awareness of these communities and their valuable contributions to our society and to offset the negative stereotyping and prejudice that have led to the situation where;

• Gypsies, Roma and Travellers are the largest ethnic minority community in the European Union with over 12 million people across the EU and some 300,000 in the UK
• The Children’s Society report that nearly 9 out of 10 children and young people from a Gypsy background have suffered racial abuse and nearly two thirds have also been bullied or physically attacked
• The achievement levels of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities are the lowest of any of the BME communities
• Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities have the worst health and lowest life expectancy in the country

There are several different groups of Gypsies and Travellers living in England, including Romany Gypsies, Irish Travellers and New Travellers, and Circus and Fairground families. Some cultural values and traditions are shared, including a nomadic lifestyle or heritage.

Gypsies and Romany ethnic groups whose ancestors migrated from India in the 10th century and then mixed with European and other groups. Irish Travellers are a nomadic group with a distinctive way of life who have been part of Irish society for centuries.

‘Roma’ is used to describe the European Romany speaking groups who have come to England from Eastern and Central Europe, and is sometimes used to refer more generally to Gypsies and Travellers. New Travellers are people of settled background who adopted a travelling lifestyle in the more recent past, although some are now in their third or fourth generation of travelling. Circus and fairground families are another group who travel for their work.

Roma communities throughout Europe, including in the UK, continue to face discrimination. The age-old sensationalist between Romani people and crime still continue, while many remain on the edge of the society facing prejudice and tension in the communities where they reside.

Did you know…?

• Travellers have been an integral part of our society for over 500 years, working as agricultural labourers, horse traders, craftsman, musicians, in the scrap trade and as soldiers
• Two Victoria Crosses were awarded to Gypsies during the I and II World War for bravery
• Charlie Chaplain, Mother Theresa, Michael Cane and Elvis Presley all came from Gypsy backgrounds
• In 2008 alone, 3 MBEs were awarded to Gypsies and Traveller women for services to the community
• English and Welsh Gypsies, Irish Travellers and Scottish Gypsy Travellers are all recognised as distinct ethnic minority groups in the UK
• Life expectancy in Traveller women is estimated to be 15 years less than the average nationwide
• According to Ofsted, Traveller children remain the most ‘at risk’ within the educational system

Click here to find out more information and events being held to support Gypsy, Roma, Traveller History Month 2015.

With the majority of veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses coming from a white British background, the first of the Vet Futures Group, a consultative group which includes representatives from a range of veterinary and veterinary nursing organisations, encouraging greater diversity was identified as one of the priorities that the profession should aim to meet by 2030.

A writer who wishes to remain anonymous, recounts his mainly positive experience of being one of the few vets from an ethnic minority background in a profession that is otherwise overwhelmingly white. However, he also cites an occasion where he felt that a client was hostile to him on the basis of his ethnicity and he was not adequately supported by his practice. The position he found himself in damaged his confidence, affected him mentally, had a negative impact on his personal life and left him feeling isolated.

He writes: “I know we can’t change clients’ attitudes towards ethnicity and culture overnight but we must be united and an example of a forward-thinking profession to the public.

“For example, the NHS, dentists and lawyers all have committees, advice and guidance for colleagues in my position and I feel the veterinary profession should also go forward in this way.

“In my opinion there should be more education at undergraduate level which is supported with further guidance, training and support for qualified veterinary surgeons.”

He argues for ‘ethno-cultural empathy’ on the grounds that more tolerance and understanding between professional colleagues will help avoid bigotry and discrimination.”

This month’s Vet Futures poll will therefore be asking if they feel that veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and other members of the practice team are given adequate information, guidance and support regarding ethnic and cultural diversity.

To read the blog, comment on the issues it raises and to take part in this month’s poll visit – www.vetfutures.org.uk/discuss

The term autism is used to describe all diagnoses on the autism spectrum including classic Autism, Asperger syndrome and high-functioning Autism.

Below are some facts and statistics on Autism:

• Autism is much more common than many people think. There are around 700,000 people in the UK with autism
• Autism doesn’t just affect children. Children with autism grow up to be adults with autism
• Autism is a hidden disability – you can’t always tell if someone has it
• While autism is incurable, the right support at the right time can make an enormous difference to people’s live
• Over 40% of children with autism have been bullied at school
• One in five children with autism has been excluded from school, many more than once
• Nearly two-thirds of adults with autism in England do not have enough support to meet their needs
• Only 15% of adults with autism in the UK are in full-time paid employment
• 61% of those out of work say they want to work
• 79% of those on Incapacity Benefit say they want to work

For further information and more facts and statistics on Autism visit – Autism.org