Agnes' Story — 11 Sep 2009

Agnes* has mental health issues due to past experience of abuse and is vulnerable to prostitution.  She is a lone parent and a carer to a brother.  Agnes is dyslexic and sought support from Routes into Learning to enable her, in a safe and supportive environment, to brush up on her skills to move onto mainstream provision and gain employment. 

Agnes was supported by her tutor to self assess using a Richter style assessment, which helped her to recognise and prioritise her learning strategies and needs.  A learning plan was developed to improve her reading comprehension, grammar and writing.  Agnes set realistic goals and undertook a package of individual and group learning.  She progressed onto mainstream learning, but still requires transition support.

Agnes achieved her goal of getting a job and is currently working in a care home while finishing her HNC in Social Care.  The literacy learning helped Agnes improve her family life and she is more decisive, confident and engages more with agencies working with her brother and daughter.  Agnes' mental wellbeing and physical health has improved and she has started to participate in community engagement activities including a placement to support other women.

Agnes stated, "Without support from project I don't think I'd cope. I would have felt out my depth.  Community based education suits my needs better.  My tutor has great understanding of my needs to build confidence because I'm hungry for knowledge - knowledge is power!"

*Name has been changed to ensure confidentiality.