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Omega Centre FAQs

 

•  What is Omega Centre? 

Omega Centre is an adult and community learning centre which runs a wide range of courses, events and activities.  It has been part of Portsmouth’s arts and education landscape for many years and has a reputation for involving local people of all ages and backgrounds.  In 2008 the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) started managing the building and undertook major refurbishment works with support from Portsmouth City Council. 

 

•  What is the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA)?

The WEA is a 21st Century, democratic, voluntary adult education movement, committed to widening participation and to enabling people to realise their full potential through learning.  It is the UK’s largest voluntary provider of adult education, and one of the UK’s biggest charities, so every penny we generate through course fees is reinvested in new courses and programmes.  To read more about the WEA, visit the website here.

•  Who funds Omega Centre?

Omega Centre is a partnership between the WEA and Portsmouth City Council.  Both partners contribute to the running of the building.  The Centre’s refurbishment was largely made possible thanks to the Jeffery-Machin Foundation (JMF). The JMF is the legacy of Canon Ivor Jeffery-Machin and his wife, Brenda.  Canon Jeffery-Machin worked for the WEA as a part-time tutor from 1940 until 1984; both were great believers in the value of lifelong and community learning.

 

•  What courses are on offer?

From Literacy, Numeracy and Confidence Building to Screen Printing, Creative Writing and Belly Dancing, Omega Centre has a wide variety of courses for everybody to enjoy.  Whether you are looking to learn a new skill to enhance your career or simply would like to take a course for fun, you can find something suitable here.  Courses change regularly throughout the year.  To see what’s on now, click here or go to the ‘courses’ tab on the navigation bar of the website.

 

•  How much do courses cost?

It depends on your circumstances, and which course you want to do.  People on income-related benefits are normally entitled to free courses.  Contact us or come into the centre to talk about your learning requirements and circumstances.

 

·         Which benefits normally entitle me to a free course?

Job Seeker's Allowance, Council Tax Benefit, Working Tax Credit (gross household income under £15,276), Income Support and Housing Benefit, Income-related Employment Support Allowance, Pension Guarantee Credit and Asylum Seeker - Asylum Support.  You may also be entitled to free courses if you are the unwaged dependant (as defined by Job Centre Plus) of someone on one of the above.

 

·         I receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA).  Will I be entitled to a free course?

DLA is not an income-related benefit so it does not automatically qualify you for a free course.  However, we may be able to assist you with course fees.   Contact us or come into the centre to talk about your learning requirements and circumstances.

 

·         I’ve been made redundant but I’m not on benefits.  Can I receive financial assistance if I want to take a course?

Someone who is suddenly made redundant might not be eligible for income-related benefit because they have savings.  If you think you might be eligible, we will make a means-assessment for your claim.

 

•  What is special about Omega Centre?

Many of our learners say that our friendly, welcoming atmosphere is what sets us apart from other education centres.  We look at people as individuals, each with different requirements.  We listen to everyone who walks through the door and support them to decide which course is right for them. 

 

•  I’ve seen a course I like the look of - how do I register?

There are several ways to register for a course: go into Omega and do it in person; phone us up and we’ll put your name down; or fill out the course registration form, here.

 

•  What do I do once I’ve registered?

Just turn up on the first day of the course and we’ll direct you to the appropriate room.  If you pay for your courses we will ask you for the course fee then, if you haven’t already paid in advance.

 

•  What do I need to bring to a course?

If you are in receipt of one of the benefits listed above then you need to bring proof of benefit to the first class.  If you are paying for your course then please bring payment to the first class (cash or cheque).  At the first class the tutor will let you know if you need to bring anything to future classes.

 

•  Where is Omega Centre?

You can find a map and directions to Omega Centre here.

 

·         Does Omega Centre have a café?

The centre has a café area with a vending machine serving hot drinks and cup-a-soup.  You are welcome to bring lunch or snacks with you and consume them here, or you can get reasonably priced meals, sandwiches, snacks and hot and cold drinks from Café Enham opposite the centre. 

 

·         Does Omega Centre have disabled access?

Yes, most of the building is accessible to wheelchair users and people with limited mobility.  There is an accessible toilet on the ground floor, a lift to the first floor and easy access through front door and a ramp from the car par into the back entrance. 

 

·         Does Omega Centre have a crèche or childcare facilities?

No.  Care to Learn is a childcare payment scheme for learners under 20, but lone

parents are also eligible, and payment can be for any kind of publicly funded

course.  Care to Learn schemes can be paid during the course, and during holidays if that

is required to keep the childcare place open.  Learners must use an Ofsted

registered childcare provider.  The scheme also pays for travel to and from the

childcare provider.  We have to track and prove attendance on the course.  If you have further questions about childcare, please contact Omega Centre.

 

·         When is Omega Centre open?

Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm (times may vary out of term time).  We are closed on Bank Holidays.

 

·         Does Omega Centre have car parking facilities?

Yes, but space is limited and is often reserved for learners with limited mobility.  There is plenty of on street parking, though it can become busy on the surrounding streets.