About Us
Informal Learning is a “not for profit” organisation based and rooted within in the Agbrigg / Belle Vue area of Wakefield. Drawing on many years of experience working in the Third Sector and with children and young people, we work across Yorkshire & Humber and have links throughout the UK through strong affiliations to the Rank Foundation, Green Pastures Housing and the YMCA George Williams College in London.
Marilyn Iwanuschak started Informal Learning in 2008, after successfully managing and supporting other organisations and community initiatives across the UK for many years. She has since built a highly qualified and experienced staff team that specialise in several areas. Informal Learning takes great pride in gaining positive results with some of the most disadvantaged and deprived individuals and communities across the district and beyond.
Our Aims
To promote principles of informal education so that individuals can make positive contributions to their own lives and communities, regardless of socio-economic background.
To support the personal development of homeless individuals and ex offenders, promoting their independence and strengthening local communities.
To create a high quality and professionalised workforce for those working in the areas of youth & community work.
Our Work
Youth & Schools work – We deliver quality grassroots youth and community work, utilising tried and tested principles of informal education within our local community and across Yorkshire, through the provision of youth clubs, detached work and more structured projects. We also work within several schools delivering after school clubs, holiday clubs and other Extended School initiatives.
Homeless Support Service – We support the homeless and those at risk of homelessness with a particular specialism in working with ex offenders, through the provision of supported housing, information, advice and guidance and positive activities.
Bike Barn – We deliver specialist programmes around bike maintenance and cycling proficiency, providing real hands on experience and developing both practical and personal skills that are easily transferrable in to more formal educational and vocational settings.
Training and Support Service – As a recognised partner for the YMCA George Williams College in London, we deliver nationally recognised, accredited qualifications in youth & community work. We also provide support, advice and mentoring packages to other organisations looking to start up or strengthen their youth and community work delivery.
