Adult Learners’ Week
Mental and Physical Health
Case studies
Andy Main
Andy overcame the trauma of total blindness at 70 through adult learning. Now he
uses all his talents to help other people in need.
Condemned to sudden loss of sight through a previously undiagnosed genetic
disorder – having just recovered from life-threatening cancer – the retired but still
active social worker and trade union negotiator was plunged into semi-isolation,
dependency and low self-confidence.
With the support of his partner and Dudley Vision Services, he regained his
confidence and powers of communication through new computer and internet skills
acquired in college and at home, working deep into the night. With a new found
sense of freedom he has resumed high-level trade union activity and is looking to
upgrade his skills as a chef.
His tutor at Dudley College, Joanna Griffin, says he is “a tremendous ambassador
for the course”, helping and encouraging other visually impaired learners. For Andy,
learning is now a lifelong activity. “I feel that I am no longer isolated and continue to
explore other options beyond the scope of this course.”
Melanie Turner
Mel had been agoraphobic for thirteen years when, in September 2007, she plucked
up the courage and enrolled on a literacy class. Despite extreme nerves, she started
the class, finding it got easier each week. Mel enjoyed the course with Hull Adult
Education, passing entry level 3 and levels 1 and 2 in Literacy. She completed her
next goal, too, and passed Numeracy level 1.
Mel wanted to help others so she completed in-house volunteer training and started
to volunteer in a class for adults with learning difficulties and disabilities. Wishing to
become a tutor, Mel passed NVQ level 1 in Learning Support and progressed to the
Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector course, which she hopes to
complete soon.
Now having the confidence, Mel enjoys days out with her family, has lost six stone in
weight and volunteers at Dove House Charity Shop as well as continuing to learn.
“There is no stopping me now. I have gone from nothing to gaining a new life all
because I returned to learning,” ended Mel.
Elle Boag
Elle was just 32 when she was forced to retire on medical grounds after being
diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Despite having left school at 15 without qualifications and being in foster care, she
had gone on to gain O-levels, an HND in Fashion and a Diploma in Interior Design.
She had built a career in interior design while bringing up three children.
After adjusting to life with MS, Elle enrolled at Totton College to take A-levels and
then did a degree in Psychology at the University of Southampton. After winning a
prize for her undergraduate dissertation, she won a scholarship to complete an MSc
and PhD.
Today she teaches adult learners and A-level students at Totton College, and
lectures at the University of Southampton and Solent University. She has also
influenced her husband and daughter, both of whom have completed Access to HE
courses. “Enrolling to undertake my A-levels was one of the best decisions I have
ever made in my life. Not only has the experience has been thrilling and rewarding, I
also learned that age is not a barrier to achieving academicall,” she says.
Avril Ward
When Avril’s husband died in 1997 she lost her one true inspiration to learn. Having
left school at 19 unable to read and write, wheelchair-bound with cerebral palsy and
consigned to work in industrial packaging for the disabled, Avril at last began her
learning journey with his encouragement.
But the muse he stirred never left her and she was soon taking opportunities at
Croydon Adult Learning and Training (Calat). To date, the 69-year-old with severe
learning difficulties has completed 70 courses from English and Maths to Fitness,
Music and Computing. She has also created a manual to make computing easier
and is publishing it for others to use.
Bernadette Blackwell, learning support organiser, says Avril’s initial aim was to be
literate enough to read her own post, write her shopping lists and run her own affairs.
“She has achieved this – and proved an inspiration to others.”
Avril says she can now give something back. “As a disabled person) I have become
much more confident, outgoing and more able to run my own life”
Robert Atter
Robert has overcome the barriers of a learning disability, epilepsy and limited literacy
and numeracy skills to gain qualifications and a job. Passionate about gardening
since he was a child, he taught himself to garden through TV and picture books, but
attempts to get gardening work were frustrated as most jobs required NVQs or the
ability to drive.
After losing a job as a kitchen porter, Robert was referred to The Camden Society,
which found him a training placement at Walworth Garden Farm. There he was
supported with his portfolio, and he learnt the names of plants by cutting out photos
and bringing them into work.
Part-funded by the European Social Fund, Robert gained NVQ levels 1 and 2 in
Horticulture, and a NOCN in Customer Service, plus qualifications in First Aid, Health
and Safety, and Food Safety. He now works part-time and is determined this will
lead to a full-time gardening job. “My confidence has grown and I feel I have a real
opportunity to achieve my goals,” he says.
Billy Baxter
Having served as a soldier in the army for twenty years, Billy lost his sight, leading to
the loss of his job, home and a life that he loved. St Dunstan’s – a charity that
provides rehabilitation to ex-service men and women – inspired Billy to look to the
future. He learned new skills and adapted existing ones as part of his rehabilitation
and began sharing his experiences by encouraging others to accept their blindness
and embrace life. In 2009, Billy enrolled on a National Diploma Performing Arts
course at Cambridge Regional College to develop formal training in public speaking
and performance, with the aim of being able once more to enjoy army life by
entertaining the troops as a show host and stand-up comedian.
Billy has bravely entered education as a 45-year-old in a class of teenagers but
consistently achieves high marks. “Money couldn’t buy what I’ve learned from
coming here [college] – you couldn’t put a price on how valuable coming to college
has been for me. My life – and that of my family – is so much richer for it,” he
reflected.
Aaron Anderson
On leaving rehabilitation after many unsettled years of depression, homelessness
and alcoholism, Aaron visited the library with a desire to learn and enrolled with
Learndirect. He gained levels 1 and 2 in Maths, level 2 in English and CLAIT. “I
found learning exciting and wanted to take it to the next level,” remembered Aaron.
Wanting to become a youth worker, Aaron began work experience at Positive
Futures Young Offenders’ Service and then enrolled on an NVQ2 in Youth Work at
Newcastle College.
Aaron still volunteers at Positive Futures and in addition to the NVQ, he is studying
English and a community sports award, and taking part in a drugs foundation course
and other courses to support a career in youth work. Having suffered abuse as a
child and lived through years of drug and alcohol addiction which resulted in a spell
in prison, Aaron’s future looks promising. He said, “Learning has turned my life
around, I am the happiest I’ve ever been... To know that I’m making a difference to
them [young people at Positive Futures] gives me the enthusiasm and drive I wake
with every day.”
Karen Troy
Karen had not really stepped outside her home environment for almost ten years due
to mental health issues, so it was a massive step when she enrolled at Intraining in
Blackpool with a view to learning new skills to find work. She was apprehensive but
was supported by staff and her husband, and achieved levels 1 and 2 in Literacy and
Numeracy, passed a basic first aid qualification, learned IT skills and completed a
CV.
In October 2010 Karen started a voluntary position at a women’s centre in Blackpool
and, as part of the training, completed Child Protection and level 2 Sexual Health
courses. She is now studying for a Diploma in Health and Social Care, hoping it’ll
help lead to paid employment at the centre.
“My life has changed dramatically since I started training, it has improved in so many
ways” said Karen. “I have new friends, a social life, and an eagerness to go forward
and continue to develop as a person and achieve more qualifications,” she ended.
Stephen Brown
Living in a residential care home with physical and mental health problems meant
that the flexibility and pace of distance learning worked best for Stephen and in June
2007 he gained his first qualification – a Certificate in Archaeology from the
University of Exeter. Just a month later Stephen began a Diploma distance learning
course with the University of Leicester’s School of Archaeology, passing in June
2010. Stephen gained consistently good grades through the determination and selfmotivation that is required with distance learning, despite numerous health setbacks
along the way, and is now enrolled on a BA Archaeology programme so he can
obtain a degree.
Nominator, Ruth, said of Stephen: “Stephen has overcome many personal
challenges to grasp the opportunity of studying that has saved his life, and that
through studying he has come to believe that he is not a ‘loser’.” Stephen added,
“This course is giving me back my self-esteem and confidence and I would say to
anyone in my situation, don’t give up, anything is possible – as I have proved.”
Nasim Rehman
When Nasim left work 18 years ago due to losing her sight she enrolled at City
College, Coventry. She completed IT courses including IBT2, an NVQ2 in Business
and also studied a Braille course. As a regular user of Social Services, Nasim was
keen to become a Social Worker, so in 2009 she completed an NOCN level 2
Ladders to Learning Programme, which led to an Access to Higher Education
diploma. She is due to complete the Access course in 2011 and has applied to study
Social Work at Coventry University. As well as studying, Nasim co-founded the Asian
Blind Association in Coventry, supporting other visually impaired members, often
helping them back into education.
Nasim has successfully raised her three sons and is proud to have applied to join the
two eldest children at university. “I was determined to show by example – for my
children and also for other visually impaired people in my community – what can be
done,” said Nasim. “I have shown that I can still achieve success and a high
standard of work.”
Daniel Peter Williams
Undiagnosed dyslexia at school, coupled with problems at home, meant Daniel left
college with one AS-level and a GCSE. Haunted by a former teacher’s comments
that university was out of his reach, he believed he’d reached his potential and
began full-time work, but was always unfulfilled. Having suffered a nervous
breakdown in 2003, he yearned for more in his life, and when a friend suggested he
apply to university, he did. Daniel is currently studying year 1 of a Psychology degree
at Staffordshire University, and achieving top marks in his assignments.
Daniel chose to study Psychology due to personal experience, hoping he could use
his qualification to help others. He is currently transferring his skills to voluntary work
for St John Ambulance as a trainer, first aider and youth worker, as well as working
with Staffordshire Youth Offending Team. “I know I have a lot to learn and I hope that
I can give back what I have been so fortunate to receive,” smiled Daniel.
Teresa Philpotts
Teresa left school at the age of thirteen with no qualifications, led an unsettled life for
many years, had five children and worked in unskilled jobs to make ends meet. In
2007, she was a client in a hair salon and confided that she wanted to be a
hairdresser but lacked the confidence to apply. Her hairdresser was also a lecturer at
South Worcestershire College and encouraged her to apply to study. So Teresa
began studying in 2008 and gained NVQ levels 1 and 2 in Hairdressing (completing
five more modules than the assessment required), as well as level 2 Health and
Safety in the Workplace, an ear-piercing qualification and level 1 in Literacy and
Numeracy. She is currently completing level 3 in Hairdressing as well as level 2 in
Literacy and Numeracy and hopes to learn Beauty Therapy on their completion.
Teresa feels she was given a new lease of life that day in the salon: “The future is
looking bright and I can’t wait to improve the lives of others by making them feel
better about themselves too using all my new skills.”
Linda Harrison
Linda found learning difficult as a child due to hearing loss and dyslexia and it wasn’t
until the birth of her first child some years later, and the post-natal depression that
followed, that Linda decided she wanted to reach her potential and return to learn.
With support for her disabilities, Linda completed GCSEs in English and Maths and
an AS level in Accountancy. The recurrence of depression after the birth of her
second child saw Linda return to college and complete courses in learning support
and British Sign Language and A-levels in Sociology and Book-keeping. With newfound skills and confidence Linda began volunteering at a playgroup and the PreSchool Learning Alliance (PLA) and enrolled on to level 3 in Childcare and
Education. This led to paid work at the playgroup and PLA, and Linda is now
studying for a Foundation Degree to support her role.
“Study as an adult has given me more confidence and I’m now more able to help my
children study,” said Linda, who has also confessed to having been “bitten by the
learning bug.”
John Everard
Following several years of deep-seated depression, John was introduced to adult
learning through helping as a volunteer walk guide. He had expressed no interest in
academic study, but completed the Navigation Skills for Walkers course at Northern
College in January 2010. This was the beginning of his recovery. After experiencing
the friendly, supportive atmosphere engendered within the college, he enrolled the
following week on the three-week-long Learning to Learn course, which was followed
by other short study courses. John grew in confidence and in the September he
began an Access to Higher Education diploma. He has since been offered places at
five universities to study Events Management.
John embraced life at residential college and as well as studying he became
President of the Student Union, a Student Governor and a member of numerous
college committees. He has introduced student initiatives, producing important new
revenue streams, as well as a car-sharing scheme. “My experience of Northern
College and adult learning has totally reshaped and rebalanced my life,” said John. “I
now look forward, once again, to an exciting future...”
Jane Smith
At the age of 44, Jane Smith refused to let a sudden illness caused by fluid on the
brain destroy her ambition to be a nurse just weeks before qualifying.
Two years of operations and treatment left her disabled and housebound – suffering
loss of vision, headaches, nausea and memory loss. But, through the government
funded programme “Work Preparation”, she put her life back together, regaining her
confidence, building up a CV, updating her IT skills and setting a realistic new goal.
She is now working in the NHS as a Breastfeeding Support Worker.
“Since starting my new job there have been times when I marvel at how such a
‘down to earth’ even ‘ordinary’ course can have such a great impact on an
individual’s life. I truly believe that without this course and the new start it gave me I
would not have recovered as fully as I have and I certainly wouldn’t have applied for
the job I now love,” said Jane.
Marie Cherasse, Jane’s nominator and trainer at North Hertfordshire College, said
she was an inspiration and “buddy” to others. “Her motivation, drive and example
have been a beacon to anyone who has to cope with a traumatic episode or lifealtering illness.”
Mark Beaton
Sheer determination helped Mark Beaton, aged 44, fight his way back from the
depths of mental and physical illness, homelessness and unemployment to become
an excellent student while starting his own business as a sports massage therapist.
Even as he struggled to gain new skills and build the self-confidence he had lacked
all his life, Mark was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome which threatened the
manual dexterity he needed for the practical skills to succeed.
Undeterred, on recovery from an operation, he embarked on the City & Guilds Level
3 Diploma in Body Massage, graduating from Morley College, London, in 2009 with
distinctions in both the theory and practical exams and completed his Sports
Massage Diploma this year. He sought job centre advice to come off benefits and
gain training to set-up his business.
He admits that, 30 years after leaving school, “as a very troubled youngster”,
studying was a tough challenge. But it has given him confidence that had always
eluded him to the point, he says, “Adult education has not only given me the chance
for a career change, at 44, it has given me a total life change.” Julia Wood, his tutor,
now uses him as an exemplar for her current students.
Stephen Shepherd
Steve wanted to gain nationally recognised IT and computer qualifications to get
back into work, having been unemployed since losing his sight two years ago as a
result of diabetic retinopathy. Steve enrolled on to ITQ Level 2 at Derby College’s
learning centre at The Spot in April 2009 - with a specialist audio screen reader
enabling him to access screen material - successfully completing the course two
months ahead of schedule. “It just goes to prove that disability need not be a barrier,
the important thing is to remain positive and find out what help and support is
available,” said Steve.
Steve is due to start an Access to the Blind computer certificate and CLAIT Plus
which will allow him to train others. He currently volunteers with partially sighted
people and hopes his qualifications will help him find paid employment. “The
computer at home is now my lifeline since I lost my sight as it enables me to better
communicate with people,” ended Steve.
Margaret Rushby
Margaret’s learning achievements have been through distance learning and on the
web because of deteriorating health and mobility problems. In January 2010 she was
awarded a BA (Hons) degree in Humanities from the University of Exeter – the latest
qualification of many in recent years - having already completed courses from three
others universities, all despite leaving school with no qualifications. “It has been a
long, slow process for me but has made a huge difference to my quality of life and
opened the gateway to whole new adventures of knowledge.”
“I have learnt that lack of physical power is no handicap in the use of mental power,”
said Margaret. Her passion for history has developed over the years as she travelled
the UK and led Margaret to study varied topics, including family and local history, the
English countryside, British heritage, northern renaissance art, the Vikings and
Roman Britain. “To me education, the art of learning, regardless of subject, is never
wasted. It opens up the past, present and future,” concluded Margaret.
The Hall Family
A family of three with learning difficulties and disabilities ranging from limited sight to
severe brain damage have transformed their quality of life and confidence through
the power of computers.
Barbara Hall has very limited vision and is partially deaf. She finds the telephone
difficult and had never used a computer before attending an IT course at Learning for
Life, in Swindon, which provides learning opportunities for disabled people. Her
husband Ken is also partially sighted, with mobility problems, and their daughter
Alison for whom they are constant carers has been severely brain damaged since
birth.
Since taking the course and buying a laptop with an electronic voice, Barbara says
her life has changed significantly. “I can now use a computer with confidence to write
letters, emails, shopping lists and surf the Internet.” Ken took her lead and both are
on an NOCN accredited course in word processing.
Meanwhile, Alison started with simple exercises colouring in web outlines and
progressed rapidly through more challenging educational tasks. She is showing
improved hand/eye coordination, greater use of language and requires less
supervision.
Sue Mead, their nominator and IT tutor, said: “Learning has made a big difference to
their lives. Barbara now uses the computer at home for many different applications
and she has made terrific progress.”
Mark Eschle
When Mark left behind a successful career as an NHS doctor due to a mental health
illness, he was referred to Seetec by Jobcentre Plus. Mark enjoyed working with
computers so it was suggested that he should undertake the European Computer
Driving License (ECDL) qualification. “The study was a bit difficult at times because
of my depressive illness but as I studied and passed the modules (with scores over
90%) my depression seemed to lift,” Mark recalled. On completion of the ECDL,
Mark expressed the desire to become self-employed and set up a computer repair
and maintenance business.
Mark attended a CompTIA A+ course one day a week at South East Essex College
to allow him to work in computer maintenance and as a result of his hard work, Mark
has a new career working part – time, “I set up my company in September 2009
which has had a favourable response,” said Mark. “Through this learning experience
it really helped my self confidence and helped to lift the depression.” Mark plans to
continue his learning with a computer network course.
Nigel Freeman
Nigel was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2003 and underwent treatment. In
remission but unable to work, he decided to make use of his time by enrolling on a
European Computer Driving License (ECDL) course at Thurrock Adult Community
College in 2005, which he passed in just six months. He then completed ECDL
Advanced as well as CLAIT Plus, hoping the more qualifications he had, the better
chance he had of finding work.
When Nigel began supporting other students in the class, it was suggested he
became a volunteer, which he did, helping others for 6 hours each week. He
continued studying too, passing numeracy and literacy Level 2, among other
courses. Nigel is now employed as a casual IT lecturer at the college and passed a
qualification to teach in the lifelong learning sector at the beginning of 2010. Nigel
will begin a Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector in October 2010 so
he can further his teaching skills.
“Making the decision to go back to college has been one of the best things I have
done in my life. It’s given me something to work towards, a purpose, experience,
confidence, better self belief and patience,” ended Nigel.
Sarah Bowker
Sarah injured her spine in a riding accident in 2003 and lost her job as a night HGV
driver, leaving her depressed and uninterested in life. After seeing an advert for a
basic computer course at a local college, Sarah decided to enrol and although she
almost didn’t turn up to the first class, it became the start of her learning journey.
Despite not knowing how to switch on a computer, Sarah passed the desktop
publishing course and subsequent courses in word and text processing and a CLAIT
diploma, then literacy Level 1 and a GCSE in English. It was her personal
experience of counselling following the accident that gave Sarah an interest in
studying the subject and she has progressed from Level 1 and is currently studying
Level 4 Diploma in counselling skills. “I hope one day to qualify and make a
difference to someone’s life,” said Sarah. Her nominator, Dave, added, “Sarah is a
truly astonishing person. She has no academic background... and yet she has huge
drive and ambition, a determination to make the most of her opportunities and
develop new skills.”
Rita Martins
Rita enjoyed a variety of learning until illness meant she was unable to continue
studying. Rita was bedridden for eight months leaving her isolated and with low selfesteem. As soon as Rita was well enough, she began volunteering at Drugs Agency,
Blenheim CDP, in various roles to support clients with their substance addictions.
This helped Rita regain her confidence and learn new skills through her volunteering
experience, as well as in the classroom. She has completed Level 3 OCN A Pathway
to Drugs Work course and a Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector
qualification, as well as a number of workshops at Blenheim CDP to complement her
work experience.
Rita hopes to continue with an NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care and get a job
helping people with drug issues. “It has been a difficult but very rewarding journey
and I believe I am living proof that one can always return to education, even after
experiencing traumatic life events. Learning has helped me stay mentally stimulated
which in turn has had a positive effect on my physical health,” ended Rita.
Kris Brown
Seizing the attention of year 9 and 10 pupils in acting performances and workshops
in school would be tough for any actor, but Kris Brown, aged 31, takes leading roles,
despite his physical and learning difficulties.
Serious illness in childhood left Kris with disabilities that led to bullying at school and
to some of his teachers saying that education would be a waste of time. But with
support from his family he got involved in the Headway Arts Company, which offers
such learners support to develop their skills, and overcame his shyness, lack of selfesteem and difficulty learning scripts.
Though previously hardly able to leave the security of his home, he now performs
with other disabled actors. His most recent part in the company’s performance of
Lives Worth Living, shown in secondary schools in the North-East, was praised as a
thought-provoking piece on how we treat people of differing abilities. It is so powerful
that Performing Arts students at Northumbria University seek placements with the
Headway Arts Company.
Kris has inspired staff and service users at Headway Arts, school pupils and
teachers and wider audiences, says Headway trustee, Thomas Richardson. “His
hard work and determination have transformed ‘Kris the uneducable’ in the eyes of
some, to Kris the educator, mentor, teacher and craftsman.”
John Taylor
John’s mental health suffered when his family experienced abuse centred around his
son’s learning difficulties. He decided to take control and became involved in groups
connected with learning difficulties and mental health, realising he was not alone in
experiencing discrimination. John became a volunteer with many groups, working to
raise awareness about the distress felt by people with learning difficulties or mental
ill health and their families and he undertook training courses, such as ‘stress and
stigma’, to help him do this.
John then set up a website for South Tyneside Patients’ Council and later became
administrator for the Mental Health North East (MHNE), also publicising their service
voluntarily, for which he completed media and IT training. In 2009 John was
rewarded with a full-time paid job as MHNE’s Communications Officer and undertook
further training in web design.
John came from a career as a technician and had an interest in technology and
mechanics, yet he has undergone training in areas he’d never have considered
before. “My learning, both accredited and self-determined, as well as my life
experiences I feel have enriched me and empowered me to help others through the
sharing of my own experiences, knowledge and skills,” said John.
Dawn Skelton
The traumatic birth of her daughter in 1993 and post-natal depression that followed
saw Dawn lose her job and her relationship breakdown. As a single parent on
benefits, Dawn moved to a new area and fell into a long period of severe depression,
so her sister enrolled them both on an evening course to give Dawn a purpose and
encourage her to meet people. This was the start of a long and successful learning
journey with Dawn gaining several qualifications since her first in 1996. She was
most recently awarded a BA(Hons) in Education and Training, an A1 Assessor
Award and an NVQ Level 4 in Business Administration at the start of 2010.
“I found studying therapeutic and it gave me a whole new outlook and purpose in
life,” said Dawn. “Learning changed everything for me and my daughter and was the
starting point in regaining my life. I began to look forward to my course; meeting new
people and learning made me feel good.” Dawn is now employed as a
trainer/assessor at Crook Community Learning Centre - where she was formerly a
student - and enjoys encouraging students who have had similar challenges to her
own.
Julie Davies
When progressive heart disease, forced Julie Davies out of her job with Royal Mail,
she decided, aged 30, to get her life back on track by signing-up for an adult learner
programme at Priestley College which has led her on a journey to winning a British
Psychological Society Prize.
Ten years on from the initial Level 2 literacy, numeracy and CLAIT courses, Julie has
gained a 1st Class Honours BSc in Applied Psychology from Liverpool John Moores
University – studying part-time while bringing up two children – and aims to become
a clinical psychologist.
Glennis Hassall, her nominator and first tutor all those years ago, said: “Julie felt she
was on the scrapheap. She has a huge personality, which I believe to some extent
masked her lack of self-confidence.” But the keys to success were her “have a go”
mentality. “She also has a generosity to contribute time and effort both to others who
find themselves in the same boat as herself and to the local community.”
Julie said hard work and determination helped her excel at her studies and win the
British Psychological Society Prize as the outstanding graduate at her university. “My
learning journey has made an incredible difference to my life and, as an advocate of
lifelong learning; I expect it will continue to do so.”
Simon Gilkes
As part of his treatment for anxiety and depression, Simon was referred to Bolton
College and reluctantly agreed to enrol on a literacy course for students with mental
health issues. At first Simon didn’t think the course would make any difference to his
wellbeing, but he gradually began to talk to other students and started to act as a
mentor. Since starting at college 18 months ago, Simon has achieved passes in
English and maths Levels 1 and 2, and Level 2 in advocacy, volunteering and
disability awareness. He has also completed other courses including first aid,
computer skills, outdoor activities and art.
Simon is now a volunteer at the college and helps a small group of learners with
learning difficulties and mental ill health. He said, “I enjoy learning new things, it
gives me a sense of achievement when I pass a course... I hope to continue learning
at college with a view to getting a job... I can now see that there is a future for me.”
Sherrie Rhodes
Since overcoming post-natal depression, Sherrie Rhodes, aged 30, has gone on to
give help to some of the most vulnerable and isolated women in the city of Hull.
Sherriewas struck down with debilitating panic attacks in 2005 whilst holidaying in
Turkey. Although supported by her family and the Community Psychiatric Nurse, this
illness was often misunderstood and she was frequently faced people telling her:
“Pull yourself together.”
The turning point came, she says, when she embarked on a lifelong learning
programme, part of a community project arranged by Willow, North Hull Women’s
Centre in early 2006, designed to boost confidence. After a five-week
Aromatherapy course in the heart of her own community, she progressed to a range
of training and learning including NVQs and Hull University Foundation Award
courses in IT, Counselling, Volunteer Training and others to support children’s
learning.
In January 2009, she became a volunteer for the Doula project – supporting
vulnerable and isolated women during and after pregnancy – and she hopes to
become a midwife. “Whilst my journey’s not always been easy, my determination to
overcome post-natal depression, the love of my family and my commitment to
leaning has inspired and motivated me to overcome many barriers.”
Ali Hayward
Ali left school in her early teens due to a disability and then held down a steady job
at the local council for many years. She gave birth to a daughter in 2003 who was
diagnosed as having cerebral palsy, and that along with a traumatic labour, saw Ali
suffer post-natal depression and a deterioration of her own disability. Determined to
overcome her negativity and become happy once again, Ali began voluntary work
with a disability organisation. This led to friends suggesting that Ali should do
something for herself so she looked at courses available. Ali completed a Creative
Writing Certificate and moved on to a part-time degree in Literature and Creative
Media.
Ali said, “My life has changed beyond anything expected. I’m excited about my
future.” Ali hopes to share her passion for English and teach others who’ve missed
out on learning too. She ended, “Education changes lives. It’s powerful and for me
will always be a privilege I never thought I’d have.”
Chris Roberts
Former builder, building manager and plumbing lecturer, Chris Roberts had to take
early retirement 11 years ago; this was followed by Chris hitting ‘rock bottom’ with
severe depression.
He could not leave the house, hold a conversation or even take part in work of
hobbies. A local mental health charity helped him take the first small steps on the
road to recovery and then Chris, 60, turned to learning as therapy.
He enrolled at St Thomas’s Community Network in 2007 – busy local colleges and
training centres felt too stressful – to learn web design. Chris had absolutely no prior
knowledge of the subject, but is now an experienced user of Photoshop,
Dreamweaver, Microsoft PowerPoint and Access, and Cam Studio.
He first used these skills to produce a web page for the mental health charity that
helped him. He then created an audio-visual training programme – also using voice
recognition software – so that other voluntary workers could develop these web
production skills.
Chris said, “Learning keeps me motivated; I socialise with different people, I learn
new skills and I use these skills to put something back into the community. I am
amazed at the progress I have made. From knowing very little about web design to
actually having pages on the internet, most of my achievements are due to the
correct learning environment [and] the flexibility of the course and the patience and
high calibre of the tutors.”
His nominator, Alison Price, Said, “Chris has found a focus for his energies and a
distraction from his anxieties.”
Maria Tolly
Maria Tolly’s dream job as a professional guitarist came to an end in 1989 a when
disability meant she could no longer compose or perform her own music. However,
learning how to use music production software, at the age of 75, has meant that she
can continue making her music.
Maria was diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy in her hands and arms.
She has since learnt various computer software programmes to compose music,
beginning initially with Electro-Acoustic Music Composition and then, when this
broke down, SHE moved on to Cubase Midi Module at the City Lit.
Not only has Maria learnt this very complex music technology but she is now
producing sophisticated new material for creative dance projects at a local primary
school and for after-school dance clubs. “I get a tremendous thrill from seeing the
children dancing and singing to my music,” said Maria.
“The difference it has made to my life is immeasurable,” said Maria. “Each week I’ve
been astounded at the diversity of what I can do with the aid of this music software
and it’s only the beginning of an exciting learning curve which promises to continue.
Learning new technology makes me feel I am still an active member of this fast
world. I can almost feel my brain sparking with delight as I get the hang of it.”
Lynn Cartwright
Lynn, who has learning difficulties, left school at 16 and got a job as a kitchen
assistant in a factory canteen. When this closed down, she eventually became a
kitchen assistant in Woolworth’s café where she worked for 21 years. After leaving
there, Lynn was unable to get another permanent job and decided to try to get some
computer skills to enable her to search for work.
“When Lynn first came to the UK Online First Steps Project at the Learning and
Information Library [in 2007], she was so nervous that she brought her Mum along”,
nominator Sally-Anne McIntyre remembers. “Since then her confidence has
improved greatly… Her confidence is such that she works independently with
minimal staff support”.
Lynn has spent her time learning how to use a computer, particularly the internet
which she uses regularly – visiting job sites, practising online form-filling and CVwriting – in order to achieve her goal of “learning how to look for information to find a
job”.
She has taken advantage of the UK Online journey to access information, advice
and guidance through the project’s Learning and Work Adviser – who helped Lynn
arrange a course to upgrade her food and safety certificate. As a result, Lynn has
recently started a temporary job as a kitchen assistant.
Tanya Powell
Tanya had a turbulent and troubled childhood and, after leaving school, she spent
five years working as an industrial machinist and two years working for the Royal
Mail. Following the birth of her son, she suffered from post-natal depression and,
later, from clinical depression. “Having experienced great difficulties in my life”,
Tanya explains, “I started learning with my fitness and gym instructors’ course. It
was of particular interest to me as I use exercise as a form of stress relief”.
She then went on to do a City & Guilds Level 2 course in understanding mental
health through Pentreath Ltd’s ‘Success’ course as a way of improving her well being
and combining this learning with her fitness skills. “The learning gave me the
confidence and experience to start my journey on the path of employment, starting
with volunteering …”, says Tanya, who now works with people who are recovering
from mental ill health.
“Due to many negative experiences, I totally lacked self belief, but learning gave me
the opportunity to change things. It has transformed my life and benefitted the lives
of myself, my son, my family and my friends. They have all noticed these amazing
changes and are glad to see me so happy and full of life. I saw no future, but now I
know I have a great life with a good future ahead of me”.
Last year Tanya was appointed as team captain, manager and secretary of league
and cup double-winners, Falmouth Ladies Football Club.
Allison James
Allison left school at 16 with three GCSEs and, later that year, became a single
mother when her son was born. When Mark was a little older, she worked as a parttime care assistant but had to give up work because of a back problem which left her
in constant pain. By that time, Allison was married with a young daughter and the
doctors told her that she would need to use a wheelchair in two years because three
of her spinal discs were crumbling.
On her Mum’s recommendation, Allison joined a yoga class and soon found that it
was making a huge difference to her back problems. “I had less pain, I was more
mobile. It was not a miracle cure and I still take painkillers, but it is much better.”
After three years, in 2004, she began a two-year yoga-teaching course – gaining a
teaching certificate. “It was total commitment”, she explains. “It affected the whole
family – my daughter and son and husband all had to make space for me to study.
My son and I have always had to work hard at our studies to succeed; it’s never
come easy for us but we’ve been determined. My son is studying to be a doctor and
we egged each other on”.
Now self-employed, Allison also helps voluntarily at two classes a week working with
frail, elderly and ill people to support their learning, health, well-being and personal
development.
“Allison’s learning has enabled her to find employment in a job that she loves,
helping other people”, says her nominator, Anne Staines.
Natalie Wilson
At one point it was thought that Natalie Wilson wouldn’t even be able to go to school.
She couldn’t stand, walk or talk and had problems hearing and with her short-term
memory until, at the age of 3, she started dance classes and speech therapy, which
helped things to slowly improve.
However, she continued to struggle at school and problems with her short-term
memory meant she couldn’t read more than a page and she had difficulty spelling.
She failed all of her Year 9 SATS.
Things did continue to improve slowly for Natalie who left school with a few GCSEs.
She enrolled on a BTEC First Diploma in Acting at Colchester Institute. However
after just one week the tutors recognised her talent and she was transferred to the
National Diploma of Performing Arts in Musical Theatre, even though she didn’t have
the necessary entry grades. Having passed this with three merits Natalie then
enrolled on a Foundation Degree and proceeded towards an BA(hons) in Musical
Theatre, which she is about to complete in June.
Hoping to become a dance teacher, Natalie has had good preparation by
choreographing last year’s Witham Operatic Workshop which was a sell-out
performance of High School Musical and she assisted with the musical direction
alongside her mum who was the Director. In September Natalie is working with
Witham Music Theatre with a performance of Children of Eden.
Natalie said, “Learning has given me confidence and drive. In school I was in the
bottom group. People called me thick and I thought I would have to stack shelves all
my life.”
“Learning helps you achieve your dreams. Never give up learning, always try.”
Tom Birch
Tom, a Marine posted in Afghanistan, suffered a severe head injury in an horrific
accident in his jeep in November 2006. His chance of survival was touch and go. He
was transferred, first, to Camp Bastion in Afghanistan and then his parents were
flown out to Oman to the specialist Brain Injury Unit. Eventually they flew back
together to Birmingham Hospital at below 10,000 ft because of how higher air
pressure may have affected his injury.
Despite the seriousness of his injuries and the fact that he has no memory of his
time in Afghanistan, Tom has – after a lengthy rehabilitation – learned to walk and
talk again. What’s even more impressive is that he has now qualified as a gym
instructor.
Unsure about whether he could cope with the workload of the Level 2 Gym Instructor
course at South Nottingham College Tom worried that his work wasn’t good enough,
but he passed with flying colours.
He is now taking his Level 3 award, which involves exams, case studies and projects
in advanced fitness instruction, nutrition and weight management, fitness
assessment, business, training in different environments and client retention.
Tom devotes a lot of time volunteering for the charity, Headway, to help people who
have suffered severe brain injuries, like himself, to realise that lives can be rebuilt
and something can be made of life after suffering such a trauma.
“Learning has stimulated my mind and got me socialising with new people”, said
Tom. “It’s taken my mind off of what happened. I feel that’s why I have come so far,
in such a short space of time.”
Julia Malkin
Over the last five years Julia Malkin, has progressed from having few qualifications
to becoming one of the most highly qualified driving instructors in the country,
despite being diagnosed with autism and Asperger syndrome in 2008.
After experiencing extreme bullying as a child, Julia left school and had a nervous
breakdown at 16. She drifted through a series of uninspiring jobs until she decided to
train as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) in 2004. While doing her training, she
passed eight advanced driving tests, including RoSPA Gold Grade – the highest
standard of civilian driving in the UK.
She has since gained many advanced driving qualifications, the City and Guilds
Award Level 3 in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector and GCSE
English. Spurred on by her success, she is currently studying a variety of other
qualifications including an Open University Degree and a Diploma in Literature and
Creative Writing.
“I feel that, for the first time, life has a purpose,” said Julia. “Learning is a part of life
that now I can’t survive without. It’s given me a sense of purpose and a worthwhile
career.”
Julia now has her own successful driving instructor business and works as a Driving
Standards Agency Fleet Trainer. She is currently being inducted into the Institute of
Master Tutors of Driving (MInstMTD), confirming her top instructor status.
Gary Peel
Even though Gary Peel left school aged 16 with few qualifications, he reached
managerial level at a supermarket chain where he worked for 30 years. When he
suffered a serious breakdown in his mental health, he had to leave work in 1996.
As a way to recovery and to build self esteem, Gary was encouraged to return to
learning (when?) because he wanted to become a teaching assistant. He was told
he first needed to improve his literacy and numeracy skills so he completed a sixweek Keeping Up With The Children course at Thrumpton School and then a 12week Family Learning course where he passed his Level 2 in Literacy. He then went
on to pass GCSE Maths with a Grade B. Towards the end of the maths GCSE Gary
started to volunteer as a teaching assistant in the student support centre working
with people with special educational needs.
Since completing his first teaching assistants course Gary now has a paid position at
Thrumpton Primary School, while studying for a Level 2 Teaching Assistants course
at North Notts College.
Gary said, “Learning gave me an order to my life when I was ill and I was able to
study in a structured way. The more I learn and achieve the more I want to go onto
the next stage. Learning has helped me to change career. I now work where I feel I
can make a real difference to the lives of others and see [them] achieve their
potential.”
His nominator, Alan Clark, said, “Gary is a real champion of learning in the
community and an excellent role model for others. Education has been the biggest help
in turning around his health and self confidence.”
Lee Curry
Lee is profoundly deaf and British Sign Language is his first language. He was six
months old when he became deaf, after contracting meningitis and septicaemia –
which also led to the loss of the ends of his fingers and toes.
He went to a specialist school, left with five GCSEs and - after a few years of
unemployment – he got a job with Gateshead Council, through his involvement with
a local Deaf Youth Club.
When the funding for his job came to an end after a year, as his nominator, Francis
Murphy, explains, “Lee decided to better himself and to gain skills at something he
always enjoyed doing…using his hands around the house and being productive”.
He was nervous about going back into education, but enrolled on to a Level 2
Decorator and Painter course at Newcastle College in September 2007 – passing
that and a Level 1 English exam, meaning he now has a second language.
Lee has progressed onto Level 3, and during last summer, he volunteered to paint
and decorate 43 rooms at a residential and support project for homeless young
people - which he completed in 15 weeks.
Not allowing his disabilities to hold him back, he is Rutherford AFC’s regular
goalkeeper and – despite not having the full use of his hands – he has exceeded
what is normally expected with the various tasks involved in his course. Lee has
recently got his own flat and is busy working as a decorator.
Valerie Hewison
Stepping out of her comfort zone has become a regular occurrence for Valerie
Henson. Born with cerebral palsy, Valerie was told she was ‘too much bother’ when
she tried to re-enrol on a computer course yet was determined to gain an education.
She is now on her second year of an Access to Higher Education programme and
will be starting university in September to study a degree in Community Health and
Sociology.
Cerebral palsy meant that Valerie had impaired speech and mobility problems and,
as a result, she had limited opportunities at school and was only taught primary-level
English and maths until the age of 16. 5 years later she enrolled on a GSCE course
but was told not to return the following year whatever her grades because
accommodating special needs was 'too much bother'. Regardless of the put down
Valerie battled on doing numerous other courses elsewhere but unfortunately often
face similar discriminating attitudes and finally resigned herself to be put off
education for good.
After attending a presentation during Adult Learners’ Week 2007 and hearing how
education can open up opportunities and improve well being, Valerie enrolled on an
Access to Higher Education course. Since then, She has achieved distinction grades
in most of her subjects, all at level 3. She has also delivered presentations, including
one on disability awareness to staff and fellow students. She has also joined the
Disability Forum wanting to raise the profile of disability issues in the college
"Learning has transformed my life," said Valerie. "I see my learning experience as a
stepping stone to further learning opportunities. The access course has expanded
my knowledge, increased my motivation and given me the incentive to study at
degree level, something I’ve always wanted but never thought possible."
Gary Jaye
Gary Jaye worked as a chef for 13 years, but the extreme stress of the job made him
depressed and anxious and he had to leave this job and ended up on incapacity
benefit.
After 9 months out of work, Gary was encouraged to volunteer and he signed up for
the In Touch Volunteer programme at Manchester Museum.
“I wanted to learn more about the museum,” he said. “I learnt about working with
diverse audiences, and cultural skills and knowledge. However, what has really
helped me is the additional qualifications which have updated my CV and made me
more desirable as a future employee.”
The In Touch Volunteer programme not only teaches learners, like Gary, about the
objects contained in the museum but also teaches key skills that are transferable to
future employment.
Gary was the first volunteer to complete the Customer Service NVQ Level 2. Already
having completed the 10-week training programme – with embedded literacy - at the
museum, Gary signed up for a numeracy course and passed Level 1 and Level 2.
He said, “This was one of my biggest achievements. At school maths was my
weakest subject and now I have laid to rest my fear of maths.”
Pauline Gibbon
Pauline Gibbon, started her learning journey after spending 27 years working in
healthcare. Having battled severe depression and agoraphobia during the last seven
years, she has overcome her fears to emerge more confident and gain qualifications
that reflect her life’s achievements.
Pauline experienced severe bullying as a child and left school with no formal
qualifications or even a desire to learn again. With dreams of becoming a nurse, she
eventually got a job as a nursing assistant and has been learning her skills on the
wards ever since.
“It dawned on me then that I had a great deal of missed opportunities to better
myself,” Pauline said. “I didn’t want to end my working life with regrets as I still have
at least 10 years of nursing to offer. I started my NVQ Level 2 Health and Social
Care in April 2008. I’ve been on numerous study days and learnt lots.”
Pauline plans to continue with her NVQ qualifications and then do a Spirometory
course, which studies the testing of lung conditions. She has just recently delivered a
presentation on her learning, with great confidence, at a staff conference.
“Doing my NVQ has seen me bloom as a person,” she said. “I now have a social life
and have set challenges beyond my expectations – something I never thought would
be possible.”
He has also gained certificates from Welcome Host and the regional tourist board
and is currently looking for employment in the social care sector.
“Learning has helped me increase in confidence, and spurred me on to consider
further learning and training. Learning has given me something to do with my day
and has been interesting and fun,” he says.
Katrina Austin
When she was 17 Katrina Austin was in a car accident and damaged her spine and
was left with a permanent disability. She was in constant pain and unable to work.
However she went to college and starting from scratch with no qualifications is now
studying a degree in Psychology at Staffordshire University.
After beginning with basic maths, English and computer courses, she went on to
complete an Access to Higher Education course.
Studying a degree in psychology has made an immense difference to the way that
Katrina sees the world. This has benefited her in her role as a foster carer for
teenagers and the volunteering she does with the Phab Freewheelers - a local group
for disabled people – organising theatre trips, arts and crafts, and beauty therapy.
As a result of her disability, Katrina is only able to learn on a part-time basis. She has
also had to overcome a number of physical barriers, ranging from accessibility
issues to problems taking notes and sitting exams.
“Living with constant pain is very difficult to cope with,” she said. “Being able to get
up and go to college, and now university, gives me a great sense of achievement.
Learning means everything to me, it has truly been the thing that has helped me
through the most difficult times of my life. Learning has enriched my life on every
level and, as a mature student I have learnt to love learning.”
Learn and Share, Coventry
Learning Champions in Coventry have been helping mental health service users
learn interviewing techniques using film, while others are getting residents involved
in a community food-growing scheme. These are just two of the projects supported
by Learn and Share, run by Groundwork West Midlands.
Champions are recruited from the most deprived areas and many have only recently
got back into learning. “This is partially what equips them to support others,” says
Sarah Laughton, Essential Skills Officer. “They understand the barriers people face
on their learning journey and the feelings associated with this.”
Stephanie, 20, lived at Foyer sheltered accommodation. As a CLC, she is working
with other residents, including a young woman who is developing her photography
skills. “The biggest difference our work together has made is to her confidence;
before we started working together she thought of college as ‘unattainable’ but now
has faith in her abilities.”
Twenty-three CLCs have recruited 500 learners through Groundwork’s partnerships
with neighbourhood community and women’s groups, faith organisations, libraries,
school parent groups and community events.
Plymouth CLCs
“Plymouth Community Learning Champions are amazing,” says CSV Outreach
Manager, Nina Davey. “They have inspired more than 3,000 people into learning by
demonstrating how it can improve their lives.”
Some Champions have overcome addictions and poor mental health. They work in
the most deprived areas of the city sharing their knowledge and new-found skills with
people in the same situation.
Andrew has schizophrenia. He shows insight and empathy when teaching people
with learning difficulties to cook healthy food. He is now taking a degree in Fine
Dining and Hospitality.
Paul had a liver transplant as a result of being an alcoholic. He now advises other
addicts about services and learning courses which can help them.
Emma lived with depression and agoraphobia. She is supporting some of the most
excluded people to gain IT skills. She helps them email their families, apply online for
jobs and access benefits.
Nina is full of praise: “CLCs are helping change things by sharing what knowledge
they have with their friends and neighbours and demonstrating how it can improve
their lives.”