The NIACE in the UK report that over 3,000 museums, libraries and archives (MLAs) have pledged their support for informal adult learning, representing a real commitment to helping adults learn throughout their lives.

An event in Yorkshire on Monday 19 April 2010 - Working Together - kick started a series of regional networking events delivered by the MLA and NIACE, to help build new partnerships between family learning services and MLAs within local authorities.

Delegates attending the Working Together events can expect to:

• find out about policy background and updates for family learning and MLAs;
• take part in discussions to identify existing partnerships between family learning providers and MLAs;
• engage in family learning activities using resources already developed with MLAs, to identify potential learning outcomes for adults and children;
• identify specific ways MLA resources can support local authority family learning work; and
• get involved in planning for further training needs and partnership work.

Regional one-day training courses - Family learning and their relationship with MLAs - to complement the networking events will start on Wednesday, 5 May 2010.

Clare Meade, Senior Project Officer for Family Learning at NIACE, said:

"Research is very clear about the benefits of family learning for both adults and children and its significance in strengthening family life. The events that we are working closely with the MLA to deliver, will develop nine regional support networks and training courses, promoting best practice and building sustainable partnerships between family learning providers and MLAs. By working together, we can create more learning opportunities for more families."

Natasha Innocent, MLA Senior Policy Adviser, said:

"Museums, libraries and archives are inspiring places that engage a wide range of families but there is enormous potential to build on our skills base to benefit more families. MLA and NIACE are working together to encourage collaboration at local level."

Working Together

Family Learning and their Relationship with MLAs