Theme: “Finances and keeping well”

The National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) Adult Literacy Learner Day is for you, if you are aged 18 years or over and are developing your reading, writing, maths, or digital skills:

• in an adult literacy centre, or as part of another programme (for example a National Learning Network, Community Training Centre or Youthreach); or
• with NALA’s over the phone Tutoring Service or the Learn with NALA website.

What will happen at the NALA Adult Literacy Learner Day?

You will meet other students, hear speakers and go to two workshops, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. We will have lunch together. There is time for questions and answers.

How do I register or book my place?

Please book your place by 12 noon on Friday 6 March so NALA can give the numbers to the hotel and plan the day.

You can:

• book online or click on “Register now” button at the end of this page; or
• ring Margaret Murray, NALA 087 969 3696 to book your place

Is there a cost to attend?

No, there is no cost to attend. NALA covers the cost for tea, coffee on arrival and a lunch and tea and coffee at lunchtime. Unfortunately, NALA cannot cover transport costs for students.

Where is the Shamrock Lodge Hotel?

The Shamrock Lodge Hotel is located at Clonown Rd, Athlone, Co. Westmeath (Eircode: N37 CK73). See directions and further travel information here from the Hotel’s official website.

Agenda

• 9.45am – 10.15    Registration and tea and coffee
• 10.15 – 10.30       Welcome and introduction
• 10.30 – 10.45       Short talks from students
• 10.45 – 11.15        Questions and answers
• 11.15 – 12.45        Morning workshop
• 12.45 – 1.45         Lunch
• 1.45 – 2pm           Photo* (outside, weather permitting or in the main room)
• 2 – 3.30                Second workshop
• 3.30 – 4.00          Evaluation, and Questions and Answers in the main room
• 4pm                       Finish

Workshops

Red: Understanding money – Padraig Brennan, Service Delivery Manager, north Leinster MABS
In this workshop, Padraig will help you understand your money, where it goes and where it should go. You will get to look at how you can make your money work a little bit better for you.

Blue: Save on your bills – Marie Brazil, tutor, Adult Education Service, Athlone
Marie will show you two websites (bonkers.ie and powertoswitch.ie) that might help you save money, on your car insurance, electricity or gas. She will give you tips on what to look out for on those websites.

Orange: Misinformation – Cailin Gallagher, Executive Librarian, Westmeath County Library Service
Cailin will help you to identify misinformation in what you see online. She will give you tips to manage information, so that you stay true to what you value.

Green: Your well-being – Joanne Naughton, Social Prescriber, Athlone Family Resource Centre
Joanne will tell you about Social Prescribing. Also, Marie Byrne from the Community, Food and Nutrition Programme will give you tips on food and nutrition. Hopefully you will learn something new about connecting with other people and your health.

Once you have booked your place, just come along at 9.45am on Wednesday 11 March. We look forward to seeing you then.

An adult literacy learner only space

NALA Adult Literacy Learner days are for adult literacy learners only. The only exception to this is tutors facilitating a workshop, people doing stands on the day, or when NALA invites non-student speakers to the day.

How NALA helps students to feel comfortable

• Some students may need extra support. For example, needing a second person with them on the day. If this is the case, do let Margaret Murray know before the day (mmurray@nala.ie).
• NALA will have a Student Subcommittee member, wearing a purple jumper, greet students at the front door.
• We let people know on the day, that they can take part as they see fit. They can take a break at any time. Our Student Subcommittee helps bring people to the workshops too.
• If a student is arriving alone, and would like someone to meet them, please email Margaret Murray before the day. That way Margaret can arrange to have someone meet and help settle the student.

*Photography: NALA will take photos and may take videos of the event. If you do not want to be in a photo or video, you can let NALA know. We say this to people on the day. We will take a group photo at 1.45pm as well.

Please book your place as soon as possible and no later than 12 noon Friday 6 March. Once booked in, you just come along on the day. Call Margaret Murray if you have any questions.