Creative, hobbies and daily living
Are you looking to learn something new or for fun?
Would you like to learn new skills to help you with day to day life?
Our creative, hobbies and daily living courses can help you with these things and so much more.
We offer an exciting and varied range of free creative courses with options for online and in-person classes.
Essential Computer Skills
Dates: Tuesday's, 13th January - 24th March
Time: 9:30am - 11.30am
Venue: Coleridge
Computers for Beginners
Dates: Monday's, 12th January - 16th March
Time: 9:30am - 11:30am
Venue: Darlington Library
Cooking on a Budget
Dates: Tuesdays, 13th January - 10th February
Time: 10am - 12pm
Venue: McNay St
Cooking on a Budget
Dates: Tuesdays, 13th January - 10th February
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Venue: The Edge
Intermediate Sewing
Dates: Wednesdays, 14th January - 18th February
Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm
Venue: Darlington Library
Creative Crafts
Dates: Thursday's, 15th January - 12th February
Time: 12:15pm - 2:15pm
Venue: Darlington Library
Take a look at our full range of courses below.
Course summary
This course is for anybody aged 19+ who wants to learn how to create simple and affordable meals. The course will cover food costing comparisons, supermarket tricks and plenty of recipes, like homemade pizzas, quiche and soup. This course is taught in-person so you can get hands on with the cooking for the most effective learning.
Who is this course for?
This course is for anybody aged 19+ who wants to learn how to create simple and cheap meals.
Entry requirements
- Aged 19+
- Have the right to live and work in the UK
- Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire or non devolved local authority areas
What is the curriculum intent of this course?
This course will support you in being able to create delicious meals on a budget, meal plan and support with money saving top tips.
What will the course cover?
- Food costings comparisons
- Supermarket tricks
- Homemade pizzas and breads
- Perfect quiche and shortcrust pastry
- Homemade tomato sauce
- Various soups
What could I do when I have finished this course?
You could progress onto one of our many other courses, such as Distance Learning or CPD courses that will be made available to you.
Where and when will I learn?
| Venue | Date / Weeks | Time |
| Edge | 13th January 2026 - 10 February 2026, 5 weeks | 1pm - 3pm |
| McNay Street | 13th January 2026 - 10 February 2026, 5 weeks | 10am - 12pm |
What do I need to bring with me?
You will not need to bring anything along to these sessions just roll your sleeves up and try something new or develop an existing skill.
How much will the course cost?
This course is free of charge.
What do I do next?
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected].
Course summary
This course is for anybody aged 19+ who wants to learn about arts and crafts, and develop skills that will help their child’s motor and sensory skills. Each week, the course will focus on a different craft and they will vary from course to course, but may include clay creations, needle felting and material canvas designs. This course is taught in-person so you can get hands on with the crafting for the most effective learning.
Who is this course for?
Anyone who is 19+
What entry requirements do I need to start the course?
- Aged 19+
- Have the right to live and work in the UK
- Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire or non devolved local authority areas
There are no entry requirements for this course, only the enthusiasm to learn about and develop skills that will help their child.
What is the curriculum intent of this course?
The structure and delivery of the course’s curriculum will enable you to help your child grow and learn. It aims to improve parent’s confidence and ability regarding the way they support and promote their child’s motor and sensory skills.
What will the course cover?
Each week, we will focus on different craft skills and these will vary from course to course, for example:
- Clay Creations
- Needle Felting
- Material canvas designs
What could I do when I have finished this course?
After this course has finished you may like to join in with other Family Learning courses or adult learning courses, including Functional Skills English, Maths or ICT. You will be given information about other courses and guidance on to progress during this course.
Where and when will I learn?
| Venue | Dates / Weeks | Time |
| Darlington Library | 6th November 2025 - 4th December 2025, 5 weeks | 12:15pm - 2:15pm |
| Darlington Library | 15th January 2026 - 12th February 2026, 5 weeks | 12:15pm - 2:15pm |
What do I need to bring with me?
Please bring:
- a notepad
- a pen (or a digital device) to take notes
How much will the course cost?
This course is free of charge.
What do I do next?
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected].
Course summary
This course is for anybody aged 19+ who wants to try their hand at creative writing in a friendly and encouraging environment. The course will cover specific writing techniques, creativity boosting writing exercise and how to write your own narrative. It is open to writers of all abilities and taught in-person so you can ask questions and get feedback freely.
Who is the course for?
Anyone who wants to try their hand at creative writing. Develop skills and techniques to produce descriptive and narrative pieces in a friendly and encouraging environment. Open to writers of all abilities.
Entry requirements
- Aged 19+
- Have the right to live and work in the UK
- Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire or non devolved local authority areas
What is the curriculum intent of this course?
This course will help you develop confidence and explore your creativity. Learn to use a range of techniques to produce written pieces.
What will the course cover?
- You will explore specific techniques for making your writing stand out.
- You will try out creativity boosting writing exercises.
- Write your own creative text demonstrating your narrative (story telling) or descriptive skills.
What could I do when I have finished this course?
You could progress onto one of our many other courses, such as Distance Learning or CPD courses that will be made available to you.
Where and when will I learn?
| Venue | Dates / Weeks | Time |
| Darlington Library | 3rd June - 8th July, 6 weeks | 3.15pm - 5pm |
What do I need to bring with me?
You will not need to bring anything, simply roll your sleeves up and try something new or develop an existing skill.
How much will the course cost?
This course is free of charge.
What do I do next?
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected].
Course summary
This course is for anybody aged 19+ who wants to try their hand at creating festive arts and crafts in a friendly and encouraging environment.
Who is the course for?
Anyone who wants to try their hand at creating festive arts and crafts
Entry requirements
- Aged 19+
- Have the right to live and work in the UK
- Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire or non devolved local authority areas
What is the curriculum intent of this course?
This course will support you in being able to create fun and quirky festive crafts.
What will the course cover?
-
White clay decorations
-
Needle felting Christmas decorations
-
Macrame
-
Decorated light up jars
-
Pebble art on wooden circle
- Plus lots more
What could I do when I have finished this course?
You could progress onto one of our many other courses, such as Distance Learning or CPD courses that will be made available to you.
Where and when will I learn?
| Venue | Dates / Weeks | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Corporation Rd | 13th Nov - 11th Dec 2025, 5 weeks | 9:30am -11:30am |
What do I need to bring with me?
You will not need to bring anything, simply roll your sleeves up and try something new or develop an existing skill.
How much will the course cost?
This course is free of charge.
What do I do next?
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected].
Course summary
This course is for anybody with very basic literacy skills to develop their everyday reading and writing.
It will help to improve day to day communication and support progression into further learning, such as into Entry Level Functional Skills English.
Entry requirements
- Aged 19+
- Have the right to live and work in the UK
- Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire or non devolved local authority areas
- Ability to speak and read basic English
What is the curriculum intent of this course?
The structure and delivery of the course’s curriculum will enable you to develop your skills in reading and improve your reading skills in your day to day life, as well as encouraging you to read for pleasure.
It will also support your progression to further learning such as to Entry Level Functional Skills English courses.
What will the course cover?
The course will help you develop English reading skills at Entry Level.
This includes reading through various fun and engaging activities, as well as time to read independently.
What could I do when I have finished this course?
At the end of this course, you will be provided with information, advice and guidance on progression courses and other learning opportunities based on your interests and needs.
When you finish this course, you can progress to Functional Skills English at Entry level.
Where and when will I learn?
Please contact us to register you interested - next course to be confirmed
What do I need to bring with me?
Please bring the following:
- Pen
- Notebook
How much will the course cost?
This course is free of charge.
What do I do next?
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]
Course summary
Embark on a global culinary adventure in Round the World Cooking, this course celebrates diversity through food and equips learners with practical skills to recreate international meals at home. No prior cooking experience required—just bring your appetite and curiosity!
Who is the course for?
The course is for anyone age19 +. This free course is for 5 weeks at various venues and times across the town.
Are you spending loads of money on takeaways but just love those delicious flavours? Looking for some healthier alternatives?
This interesting and exciting course will give you the motivation to get you cooking these dishes from scratch.
Each week, the group will prepare and cook dishes from a different country to take home. A great way to save money and improve your health.
Entry requirements
- Aged 19+
- Have the right to live and work in the UK
- Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire or non devolved local authority areas
What is the curriculum intent of this course?
The course will support you to create delicious snacks and meals from around the world.
What will the course cover?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to:
- Identify dishes from different countries and the ingredients used to make them.
- Increased cooking skills and confidence in the kitchen.
- Increased knowledge about healthy eating and how this can be applied to a variety of recipes from around the world.
- Work out the cost of the dishes we have prepared.
- Save money on ingredients by discussing and sharing tips on food waste and sourcing cheap or free food in and around Darlington.
What could I do when I have finished this course?
You could progress onto one of our many other courses, such as Distance Learning or CPD courses that will be made available to you.
Where and when will I learn?
| Venue | Dates / Weeks | Time |
|---|---|---|
| McNay Street | 11th Nov - 9th Dec 2025, 5 weeks | 10am - 12pm |
| McNay Street | 3rd Mar - 31st Mar 2026, 5 weeks | 10am - 12pm |
What do I need to bring with me?
You will not need to bring anything along to these sessions just roll your sleeves up and try something new or develop an existing skill.
How much will the course cost?
This course is free of charge.
What do I do next?
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected].
Course summary
Celebrate the joy of the festive seasons with Festive Arts, Crafts & Cooking, a creative and hands-on course designed to spark the Christmas spirit through DIY projects and delicious treats. From handmade decorations and gifts to festive baked goods. Come along and enjoy making, baking, and learning in a warm, fun, friendly group.
Entry requirements
- Aged 19+
- Have the right to live and work in the UK
- Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire or non devolved local authority areas
Who is the course for?
Anyone who is 19+
What is the curriculum intent of this course?
This course is designed to ignite creativity, nurture practical skills, through the joyful exploration of Christmas traditions. This hands-on, seasonal course engages learners in meaningful creative and culinary experiences that reflect the spirit of giving, celebration, and community.
What will the course cover?
- Creating homemade gift ideas
- Develop new skills
- Home baking ideas to give as gifts
What could I do when I have finished this course?
· You could progress onto one of our many other courses, such as Distance Learning or CPD courses that will be made available to you.
Where and when will I learn?
| Venue | Dates / Weeks | Time |
|---|---|---|
| The Edge | 11th Nov - 9th Dec 2025, 5 weeks | 1pm - 3pm |
| McNay Street | 12th Nov - 10th Dec 2025, 5 weeks | 10am - 12pm |
What do I need to bring with me?
Notebook and Pen
How much will the course cost?
This course is free of charge.
What do I do next?
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected].
Course summary
This course is for anybody aged 19+ who wants to learn the basics of sewing and develop practical skills they can use at home or build on in future projects.
Who is the course for?
Each week, the course will focus on a different technique, include hand stitching, hemming, and creating simple items like bunting or cushion covers. You’ll also learn how to use a range of equipment, including sewing machines, overlockers, and digital sewing machines. This course is taught in-person so you can get hands-on experience with the tools and materials for the most effective learning.
Entry requirements
- Aged 19+
- Have the right to live and work in the UK
- Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire or non devolved local authority areas
What is the curriculum intent of this course?
This course will support you in being able to learn the basics of sewing, techniques in a fun environment
What will the course cover?
- Basic sewing techniques
- Use of sewing machines, overlockers, and digital sewing machines
- Creating simple items e.g. bunting, cushion covers
What could I do when I have finished this course?
You could progress onto one of our many other courses, such as Distance Learning or CPD courses that will be made available to you.
Where and when will I learn?
Please see below:
| Venue | Dates/Weeks | Times |
| Darlington Library | 5th November - 11th December, 6 weeks | 11:30-13:00 |
What do I need to bring with me?
You will not need to bring anything, simply roll your sleeves up and try something new or develop an existing skill.
How much will the course cost?
This course is free of charge.
What do I do next?
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected].
Need more information?
If you have any queries about our creative, hobbies and daily living courses, please do not hesitate to contact us.