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Adult Basic Education is based at the Spectrum Centre, which is next to Inverness bus station.

Support for ABE Learners
One to One support available with volunteer tutors to help improve basic literacy and numeracy skills.

Supported self-access programme available using multi-media resources to improve written skills through the use of ICT.

Small group sessions available to increase confidence in reading and writing skills.

Support for ESOL (English as a Second Language) Learners
ABE Inverness offers classes in basic English communication skills and intermediate writing skills with courses starting in January, April, July and October.

Support for Tutors
Introductory Training in Adult Literacies Learning (ITALL) Course intakes in March and October. Continued training and support available through monthly workshops.

Projects and Initiatives

Hi Hopes Project
In the past two years an increasing number of migrant workers with ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) needs have moved to the Highlands.
ABE and three other organisations - WEA, Highland Adult Literacies, and Inverness College - are collaborating to explore how best to provide services and develop resources for this group in Inverness, Badenoch, Strathspey & Nairn and Ross and Cromarty. Funding for this work has been granted by the European Social Fund.

Big Plus in Libraries
The Big Plus in Libraries is part of a national campaign to de-stigmatise low literacy and encourage adults to come forward and engage in literacy learning. It builds upon the work which is already taking place between the library services and adult literacies providers.
Working with Learning Connections (Communities Scotland) - which funded the initiative - and the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), Highland Adult Literacies, Highland Libraries and ABE have played an active role in the development of the project. Highland was asked to do this because of the strength of partnership working at a local level and the examples of good practice which have come from this.

Creative Song Writing
ABE worked in partnership with Calman Trust, Youth Highland and Eden Court Theatre to run an eight week Creative Song writing course which aimed to help young people improve their confidence in literacy skills. The pilot was funded by HALP.

The musicians have been empowered to sustain the project and are seeking further funding to continue it over a whole year, opening it up to all young people in the Inverness area.

Want to know more?
If you would like to volunteer as a tutor or just have a chat to find out more, please get in touch. If you know of anyone who would benefit from this service, please pass on this information and encourage them to contact ABE. Tuition is free, informal and confidential.

Area Co-ordinator Inverness:

Mark Richardson
Spectrum Centre
Margaret Street
Inverness
IV1 1LS
Tel:01463 710013
E-mail: mark.richardson@highland.gov.uk