Hello from Dorset

[Neale]

Not sure how much it helps but Plymouth College of Art (you did say south-west!) used to run evening sessions where they taught some CAD/CAM and gave you access to a few machines. I have a feeling that UCA Bournemouth have done something similar. However, I expect that all these things are shut at the moment anyway.

Alternatively, you could try looking for makerspaces in your area, which typically have a range of tools and machines and generally someone to show you how to use them.

Good luck - from someone who threw together his first CNC router out of MDF and then taught himself... Two machines later, and I think I'm getting the hang of it!