When I retired I decided I was going to do something for myself. Spelling and writing has always been difficult for me and I wanted to get this sorted out.
I’d seen an advert (poster) offering people free help with their reading, writing and numberwork and had got in contact with a worker at Dalmuir Community Centre.
When I met with the worker I found out about groups which I could join to get help with what I wanted to learn.
Before I started I was very nervous and hesitant about coming to a group. I was worried about making mistakes and about meeting the other students and the tutors. When I first came to the group I was made to feel welcome. It was a very relaxed atmosphere and the learners and tutors were really friendly.
The group wasn’t run like a class where everyone works on the same things at the same time so I didn’t have to worry about how long it took me to learn things because I was allowed to work at my own pace and at my own level. The group wasn’t run like a class where everyone works on the same things at the same time. I can leave things and come back to them whenever suits me.
I’ve been coming to my group for about 1½ years and I’ve been working on my reading, writing and my spelling. One of my goals was to be able to read aloud at a church group I attend and I’ve been practising this with my tutor. I feel more confident in my reading and recently I have achieved this goal.
I’ve also been working on my writing and spelling and have written letters to my son and my brother in England, which is something I would have had to get my husband to do for me. It feels great that I can sit down and write a letter by myself. My brother thinks its great too!
I’ve also learned how to use a computer and this helps my spelling and writing. I never thought I’d been able to use a computer.
Since coming to the group I feel more confident in myself and I feel more able to do things for myself. I feel more independent.
I went to a special school as a child and I didn’t get the education that I needed. I would say to anyone who feels that they missed out at school, no matter what school they went to, that they can still do what they want to do because there are groups and people to help.
I thought that this sort of thing wasn’t for me but the learners in the groups are all ages 16-75 years and people from all sorts of backgrounds who have one thing in common – we all want to learn.
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If you are over 16, living or working in West Dunbartonshire and would like free help with reading, writing, spelling or numbers please call CLAN on 0141 951 4952.
