Adult and Higher Education
Bolton man wins adult learning award
A BOLTON man, who went back to College to help with depression, has received an award from NIACE (The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education).
Simon Gilkes, 44 from Darcy Lever, completed a number of courses at Bolton College and is now a volunteer helping those with learning difficulties and mental ill health. His dedication and commitment to learning is being recognised with a Regional Individual Award as part of Adult Learners’ Week (May 15 - 21, 2010).
To assist with his treatment for anxiety and depression, Simon was referred to Bolton College where he 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 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 commented: “I have completed a lot of courses, but this isn’t the end of my educational journey - I want to enrol on a computer course in September to brush up on my IT skills.”
He continued: “Attending College has opened my mind to new possibilities and I would recommend further education to anyone who wants to learn something new. I really enjoy volunteering and I am hoping to carve a career out of helping people – which is very rewarding. I have seen how my tutors have supported me, and I would like to do the same for someone else.”
Gay Ryder, mental health lecturer at Bolton College and Simon’s tutor, said: “Simon has thrown himself into learning - he has completed a number of courses and other students look to him for support and advice. Simon has worked tremendously hard and his educational journey has been amazing. He has engaged with learning and achieved so much in a short space of time.”
Rachel Thomson, senior campaigns officer at NIACE, concluded, “The incredible stories of our Adult Learners’ Week award winners show just what can be achieved in life through determination, imagination and ambition. Simon, like all of this year’s award winners, is proof of how learning can absolutely transform lives, often leading to new jobs and careers; and helping people to cope, or even overcome, the many challenges that they face. Hopefully millions of adults across the country will be inspired by Simon’s story to take up learning and discover for themselves a whole new raft of opportunities.”