Adult learning offers people choice, a means to achieve personal goals, a role in determining their own futures and those of their families and communities. An effective model of adult learning--one that is emerging in Hampshire--is one that is broad and offers residents wide choice of learning opportunities at a range of levels. Currently, Hampshire's adult and community learning (ACL) service works closely with organisations such as charities and voluntary associations to develop learning opportunities for their users in their own localities. In the author's view, like the availability of effective departments and services, accessible, quality adult and community education is one of the cornerstones of local democracy. It augments communities of active and confident people, creating social bonds through shared interests and experiences. This is reflected in Hampshire County Council's work to support large numbers of groups such as those living in disadvantaged and rural communities and those learning for work or pleasure. Through an efficient and partnership-based approach, the ACL services are promoting choice and opportunity and contributing to the needs of government to meet new and challenging requirements.