Sheena's story — 11 Sep 2009

Sheena* is a 19 year old single parent who was offered literacy support to help her transition from Corton Vale Prison back into her community. 

During an initial pre-release meeting in prison, her literacy worker explained how improving her reading and writing could open up other opportunities for Sheena, who was especially keen to give her son a better chance in life.

The literacy worker referred her onto local literacies groupwork in the East End of Glasgow. Sheena was supported by her worker to attend the first meeting and received additional individual learning to strengthen her writing and reading skills and to help her settle into group work.   She was particularly interested in writing her life experiences and reading health and beauty materials.  She also contributed an article for Glasgow's Aye Write! Festival and was delighted to see her work on display at the Mitchell Library.

Sheena has been a regular attendee of the two hour long class.  The learning has had a positive impact on her life and she stated "it has given me something to aim for".  As a result of her learning, Sheena has had an interview to attend John Wheatley College and has become more involved in other community groups which she attends with her son.

*Name has been changed to ensure confidentiality.