Adult Community Learning (ACL) – Digital Connect: Central and Western Somerset 

What is the Project? 

Digital Connect: Central and Western Somerset is a Somerset Council-funded programme delivered by Cosmic, designed to tackle digital exclusion and build digital confidence for adults (19+) in Taunton, West Somerset, Bridgwater, Minehead, and surrounding rural areas. The programme is part of Somerset’s Community Learning Partnership, funded by the Department for Education’s Adult Skills Fund. 

Aims: 

• Improve digital skills and confidence for everyday life, learning, and work
• Support progression into further learning, volunteering, or employment.
• Reduce isolation and increase wellbeing in rural and coastal communities.

“It’s already making a difference in daily life.”

Programme Dates & Locations 

Delivery Period:  September 2025 – June 2026 

All sessions are small group (max 6 learners) for tailored support.

Venues: Online or in person in Bridgwater, Minehead and Taunton.

Taster Sessions 

Get a flavour of the training by joining one of our online Microsoft 365 Overview Taster sessions. 

Date	Time	Booking Link
30/10/2025	9:30am-10:30am	Book Here
07/01/2026	9:30am-10:30am
22/01/2026	9:30am-10:30am

Microsoft 365 Essentials 

This course is for adults who want to feel more confident using Microsoft Apps for everyday life, work, or study. It can help you: 

• Send, manage, and organise emails and messages 

• Create, organise, and share documents, spreadsheets, and presentations 

• Keep track of tasks and notes using simple tools like ToDo and OneNote 

Flexible learning: Choose the sessions that suit you – join just one topic or take the full course to cover everything. 

Locations: 

Online (Thursdays, 9:30am-11:30am, 8 weeks starting 20/11/2025) 

Week	Topic	Booking Link
1	Microsoft Teams Essentials	Book Here
2	Microsoft Word	Book Here
3	Microsoft Outlook	Book Here
4	Microsoft PowerPoint Essentials	Book Here
5	Microsoft Excel Essentials	Book Here
6	Microsoft Excel Next Steps	Book Here
7	Microsoft Forms, ToDo & Sway	Book Here
8	Microsoft Lists, Loop & OneNote	Book Here

Bridgwater (Wednesdays, 9:30am-11:30am, 8 weeks starting 14/01/2026) 

Week	Topic	Booking Link
1	Microsoft Teams Essentials
2	Microsoft Word
3	Microsoft Outlook
4	Microsoft PowerPoint Essentials
5	Microsoft Excel Essentials
6	Microsoft Excel Next Steps
7	Microsoft Forms, ToDo & Sway
8	Microsoft Lists, Loop & OneNote

Minehead (Wednesdays, 9:30am-11:30am, 8 weeks starting 11/03/2026) 

Week	Topic	Booking Link
1	Microsoft Teams Essentials
2	Microsoft Word
3	Microsoft Outlook
4	Microsoft PowerPoint Essentials
5	Microsoft Excel Essentials
6	Microsoft Excel Next Steps
7	Microsoft Forms, ToDo & Sway
8	Microsoft Lists, Loop & OneNote

Taunton (Wednesdays, 9:30am-11:30am, 8 weeks starting 19/03/2026) 

Week	Topic	Booking Link
1	Microsoft Teams Essentials
2	Microsoft Word
3	Microsoft Outlook
4	Microsoft PowerPoint Essentials
5	Microsoft Excel Essentials
6	Microsoft Excel Next Steps
7	Microsoft Forms, ToDo & Sway
8	Microsoft Lists, Loop & OneNote

Essential Digital Skills 

This course is for adults who want to use digital technology confidently in everyday life. It can help you: 

• Set up and use email and apps to stay connected 

• Browse the internet safely and find the information you need 

• Use simple digital tools to organise your day and personal projects 

Flexible learning: Pick the sessions you need most or join the full course to build a complete set of skills. 

Locations: 

Minehead (Wednesdays, 1pm-2pm, 6 weeks starting 11/03/2026) 

Week	Topic	Booking Link
1	Email Set up & use
2	Exploring Essential Mobile Apps
3	Internet Browsing Basics
4	Online Safety Fundamentals
5	Critical Thinking & AI Awareness
6	Using AI as a personal coach

Bridgwater (Thursdays, 1pm-2pm, 6 weeks starting 19/03/2026) 

Week	Topic	Booking Link
1	Email Set up & use
2	Exploring Essential Mobile Apps
3	Internet Browsing Basics
4	Online Safety Fundamentals
5	Critical Thinking & AI Awareness
6	Using AI as a personal coach

All Adult Community Learning Courses – Find courses – Somerset Employment and Skills 

Who Is Eligible?

• Aged 19+. 
• Resident in Somerset (not North Somerset, Dorset, or Bath & North East Somerset)
• Priority for those who are:  
  • Economically inactive or unemployed 
  • On low income (less than £25,000/year) 
  • Older adults (50+) 
  • People with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or neurodivergence 
  • ESOL learners or those with low English/literacy 
  • Rural or coastal residents facing barriers to learning 
  • Parents/carers not in employment 
  • Those experiencing low wellbeing, anxiety, or social isolation 
• If you aren’t eligible for free support, you can pay a small contribution to the training.

Everyday wins from small changes

How To Book

1. Booking links will be available from Somerset Skills and Learning
2. Contact Cosmic: planning@cosmic.org.uk  
3. Call Cosmic: 0330 088 3005 

What to Expect

• Blended delivery: In-person and online options 

• Individual Learning Plans for every learner 

• Progression support to further learning, volunteering, or work 

• Free for eligible learners (see above)