John describes how he had “no hope, on a road to nowhere, a slave to drink and drugs”. At 46, he was offered the chance to go to college through his rehab centre, and despite being “terrified”, he enrolled on a basic Spanish course. Gaining some confidence, he then enrolled on a drama course, leading to his tutor suggesting he may be dyslexic.
And so, with the help of weekly specialist tuition from The Dyslexia Centre, John began a Counselling Course at Broxtowe College, “without being disadvantaged by the difficulties I have as a severe dyslexic”; completing a three-year Counselling Certificate in 2005, and due to finish his Counselling Diploma this summer.
John is proud of what he has achieved despite his earlier life of crime.
“I can now hold my head high and give back to others. [Learning] gives me scope and freedom, a better chance of employment. It gives me choices.”
Using his recently acquired knowledge John is now working as a volunteer counsellor, at ADEPT (Alcohol, Drugs, Education Programme and Training) with alcoholics and addicts and also completed 12 months of voluntary counselling work at The Priory Clinic.
To see more case studies of this year’s winners visit www.esf.gov.uk/case_studies/
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