Tracy Richardson - Various Courses, Eden Mencap Society
Tracy Richardson has taken up a variety of courses with the help of Eden Mencap Society. YourCumbria spoke to Sally Taylor from Eden Mencap Society, to find out how Tracy, and other people with learning disabilities, have benefited from the various courses on offer from Mencap through adult education.
When I first met Tracy, 18 months ago, she had little confidence and found it difficult to give an opinion or make choices.
The courses Tracy has done through Eden Mencap have helped her develop confidence, self esteem, independence, social inclusion, and the ability to help her choose a healthier life style. After four months Tracy began to gain in confidence, which coincided with her move to her own house and really gave her a reason to learn independent life skills.
She now lives in Penrith with two other women in a partially supported house.
The changes and progression in Tracy’s life have been inspirational. She has used every available learning opportunity, both accredited and vocational to improve her life.
Jacky Burton from Barrow - Computer and Maths courses
Jacky Burton was nominated by Ormsgill Community Development Centre in Barrow for an Adult Learner’s Week award. She suffered a stroke in 2001 which left her hospitalised for 3 months and with the loss of the full use of her left arm and leg. Instead of giving up she attended a CLAiT course with Barrow and Disctrict Disability Association and then joined Ormsgill to do ECDL, a computer maintenance course plus a Maths course at the local college. Debbie Dixon the centre manager said “Jacky has gone from strength to strength not only as a volunteer at 2 local charities but as a very keen learner.”
Jacky said “she was very pleased and proud to have received her certificate marking her achievements” and commented that “learning has become very important and far more enjoyable now that I can choose the subjects that interest me.”
Her only dilemma is what to choose next!
Marthe Keep - suffers from ME, studying for BSc in psychology
“My name is Marthe Keep, I’m 39 and I live in Kendal. In 1986 I contracted a severe form of glandular fever that developed into ME and meant that I was unable to finish my A Levels. As a result of the illness, I suffer from muscle weakness and pain; my memory and ability to concentrate become impaired; and visual disturbances can make it impossible for me to read.
I’ve always had a life-long dream of getting a degree, and I’m currently studying hard for a BSc in psychology. Many people have questioned my sanity for putting so much effort into this, but what I’m learning through this course is helping me to cope with my condition.
I’ve gained enormously from the course, and I now have the tools to be able to critically analyse any published research which relates to my illness.
I’m also able to use what I know about psychology to help me in my day to day life, which has helped me to develop some new strategies to cope with my limitations.”
Marthe won an Adult Learners’ Regional Award for achievement in 2008. Cumbria Adult Education co-ordinated the campaign.
Cartmel
One of South Lakeland’s oldest villages, Cartmel, which grew up around the famous twelfth century Priory boasts one of the fastest growing Adult Education centres in the county.
Over recent years it has increased its student numbers and defied national trends. It has done so by diversifying its programme and establishing partnerships with numerous local organisations to open its doors to a cross section of the community, ranging in ages from 18 months through to its oldest learner this year of 91!
Cartmel is also known county wide for its outstanding contribution to cardiac rehabilitation, working in Kendal Lakes Leisure Centre, Abbot Hall in Grange and Ulverston Lakes Leisure to run these popular and vital courses for people with post heart problems.
Tracy Watson - NVQ Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools, Whitehaven
Have you got the skills to help others? Or are you bursting with personality but lacking in official qualifications? Cumbria adult education service offers opportunities to gain the NVQ Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools qualification – Levels 2 and 3, starting in September. To find out more or to reserve your place, contact Beverley Haigh on 01900 706107 or email beverley.haigh@cumbriacc.gov.uk
Tracy Watson completed this course and works at St Gregory and St Patrick’s Community School, Whitehaven. She told us “I was a volunteer helper in the school my children go to and I’ve never done any proper qualifications before in my life. The course was tough going at first but once I got into it, it got easier as my understanding developed. It’s given me loads of confidence and it’s the only thing I’m interested in pursuing. Because of my new qualification, I’ve now got a paid job five mornings a week as a play worker in ‘The Chill-Out Zone’ for two to three year olds – which is in the same school that I did my qualification!”