Learning is traditionally provided via a formal route. However, within the EU there is continuing interest in the role of informal learning, especially for individuals who may lack confidence and basic skills, and also as a means of generating community cohesion. Merseyside Expanding Horizons will work with colleagues from five European countries to investigate the use and validation of various informal learning pedagogical strategies within different "communities". By "communities" we intend geographical communities, (e.g. a defined local area of deprivation) or a thematic community (e.g. people with mental health issues). Each partner will work with a different community and will investigate the use of 3 or 4 pedagogical strategies, such as learning via peer mentoring, community networking, role models, intergenerational learning, and community participation. By investigating the use of various forms of informal learning within different communities, partners will share experiences, and produce curricula and learning materials to reflect the situation within different communities and countries. Our aim is to produce innovative training modules for practitioners in the field of adult education wanting to develop and validate informal learning within communities. The final product (ILiC) will consist of a course workbook and the accompanying DVD. The material will be translated into the language of our partner countries, i.e. English, German, Italian, Bulgarian and Lithuanian. We anticipate that during the project 250 adult learners will be involved in informal learning and 50 practitioners will contribute to the project. In the following year, the project will provide each partner with the use of In-Service Training grants, in order to run one ILiC course for practitioners (5 courses in total). The impact will consist of developing the capacity of practitioners to develop and deliver informal learning programmes within communities, and to help remove barriers that prevent adults from engaging in learning.