A project that has helped hundreds of people in North Yorkshire to improve their wellbeing, build confidence and return to work has received national recognition.
Our adult learning service won the Healthier Futures Award at the Get the Nation Learning Awards 2026 ceremony yesterday (4 November) for its Life Chat programme, which supports residents to overcome barriers to learning, work and personal wellbeing.
The one-to-one conversations help people recognise their strengths and ambitions and explore ways to overcome the barriers they face.
The service works closely with health services, Talking Therapies, Jobcentre Plus and community organisations to help residents facing challenges including poor mental health, social isolation and long-term economic inactivity. Life Chats are an integral part of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Work and Skills Interchange – a scheme which connects residents and employers with work, health and skills support and opportunity.
In just five months, Life Chats reached 1,098 people, with 166 progressing into learning and 169 beginning their journey back into employment.
Executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “This award is a fantastic recognition of the life-changing difference that Adult Learning North Yorkshire is making to residents across our county.
"By helping learners develop new skills, build confidence and make positive changes to their health and wellbeing, we're supporting people to create healthier, happier and more fulfilling futures.
“It is wonderful to see the hard work of learners, tutors and the wider team recognised at a national level and I am delighted that North Yorkshire is leading the way in showing what adult learning can achieve.”
Among those to benefit is single parent Amelia Davies, 51, from Reeth, who was looking for work that could fit around caring for her two children with special educational needs and disabilities.
After attending a Life Chat session, she gained a renewed sense of confidence and direction and later secured a flexible work placement with a local business.
She said: “It was really refreshing to talk to someone who didn’t know me. I have a child with a disability and additional needs, as well as another with special educational needs, and there are times when it can be challenging.
“I didn’t want to burden family and friends with my worries about finding work, so being able to speak openly with someone independent was invaluable.
“After the chat I felt really optimistic. I got really good advice and felt hopeful that I would find something I could do part-time, which I did.”
The project is supported by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, using funding from the Department for Work and Pensions' Get Britain Working Economic Inactivity Trailblazer.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “Winning this national award is a fantastic testament to the life-changing work happening right across North Yorkshire.
“We’re proud to have funded 'Life Chats' which has helped people like Amelia and Trevor to genuinely change their lives. The right tools, tailored advice, and confidence, creates stronger communities where everyone benefits.”
The programme also helped Trevor Knight, from Northallerton, to rebuild his confidence after a difficult period following the death of his mother and increasing challenges to commute to his job in Durham.
Working with the Life Chat team, he received practical support with job applications and developed an action plan to help him find a new role.
Trevor met with a skills and engagement officer at Northallerton Library and received one-to-one support to apply for jobs.
He has since secured a role as a business support officer with our planning service, bringing together his experience in administration, finance and the construction sector.
He said: “I saw Life Chat online and thought I would reach out as I was struggling to apply for jobs without a laptop and when I was applying for roles, I wasn't being shortlisted, so I wanted some help around that. I would definitely recommend it. I found it really helpful for somebody to point me in the right direction.”
See more information about Adult Learning North Yorkshire and Life Chats.