NEW classes have been launched for adults to learn a host of new skills in Blackbird Leys.

The estate's Adult Learning Centre, which is based at the Blackbird Leys Library, has unveiled a host of free practical and academic classes for January and February.

It is having a new lease of life after investment from operators Abingdon & Witney College, with local woman Sasha East in place as community development manager.

She said: "I want to hit the ground running and get some things happening for the new year. It's exciting. We are going to get Blackbird Leys learning."

From mid-January the centre will begin to run weekly word processing and spreadsheet training in evenings at the Blackbird Leys Information Technology Zone (BLITZ).

Two courses in confidence-building and building resilience will also be run during the daytime from the Leys News offices in Kingfisher Green.

Ms East, who formerly worked at Catalyst Housing and Ruskin College, said: "Learning keeps your mind active and helps you meet new people.

"The confidence-building course looks at things that have happened in life that have held you back, and things you can do to overcome barriers.

"The resilience course is using different artistic and creative techniques, as well as psychology and mindfulness, to look at weathering the storms of life.

"There will be daytime courses and evening courses, and I'm hoping as the year goes on we will do things outside as well."

All courses run for five weeks and are open to anybody aged 19 or over. Hands-on experience with employers is also on offer.

People interested in becoming 'Learning Champions' in Blackbird Leys, helping to run sessions on a voluntary basis, are also being sought for training.

Donnington Bridge resident Natty Mark Samuels will lead a course called 'Wordsmiths of War' on the contribution of black journalists in the First and Second World Wars.

He said: "There are enough people in Blackbird Leys who are either black or have black neighbours and friends so I'm hoping they will all come and share in something which is largely dismissed. The world focuses on the contributions of Europeans and Americans.

"It's accredited by Oxfordshire County Council, it's very interactive and all people have to do is complete the coursework to get an achievement award."

Two drop-in information sessions for people interested in signing up will be held from 6pm to 8pm on Monday, January 9, and from 9.30am to 1pm on Tuesday, January 16, at the library in Blackbird Leys Road. Alternately for details on all courses call 01865 778827.