Digital Stories
North Wales Digital Stories
Older and Bolder
Getting involved in learning activities has many benefits for older people and yet the percentage of people who are learners rapidly declines with age. This project aims to highlight the benefits to policy and decision makers, learning providers and older people themselves in an attempt to increase both the amount and range of provision and encourage participation.
We are pleased to receive support from the Welsh Assembly Government
and from Esmee
Fairbairn Foundation in order to achieve our aims.
Click on photo to view larger image
Click here to see summaries from our Older Learners Email Discussion Group
NIACE Dysgu Cymru Inspire Awards
Senior Learner of the Year Winner - Robert Davies
Following the end of a relationship, Robert Davies had a mental breakdown, became homeless, and fell into alcoholism. As a result, Robert lost both his home and his livelihood running a local bar and night club. Using what little money he had Robert moved into a cheap B&B. At his lowest ebb, Robert contacted the local authority and with help from the Swansea SmartMove Scheme he acquired a bond and set up his new tenancy.
At this time Robert also heard from his GP that his alcohol dependency was killing him and so he made the decision to address his problems through the WGCADA (West Glamorgan Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse). This led to Robert beginning an alcohol abstinence programme.
‘I was extremely fortunate to have a superb network of support from local agencies including Swansea SmartSkills’ says Robert, ‘with their support and encouragement I embarked on a plan to completely change my life. I began to engage in activities which previously would have been alien to me, such as gardening, caring for myself properly, learning how to socialize and mix with people again, abstaining from alcohol and began to plan for my future. Subsequently I completed my Profile of Achievement qualification with the support of my SmartSkills worker which reawakened my interest in learning.’
Robert soon suffered another knockback as he was diagnosed with suspected cancer, but prevented himself reaching rock-bottom again by throwing himself into learning.
Robert has now been nominated for the Senior Learner of the year Award at this years Inspire! Adult Learners Awards, and is currently studying a HND in Health and Social Care at Swansea’s Metropolitan University to gain employment in the care and support sector. Robert also hopes to continue on his learning journey by taking up the subject at degree level next year.
‘I feel inspired!’ Says Robert, ‘I’m rejuvenated and thoroughly engaged with life which is remarkable considering where I was a year ago. Thanks to both my learning and support I received to achieve this, for me, really did begin At 50.’
Inspire Adult Learner Award Winner Publishes Autobiography
During the dark days of World War 2, Inspire! Adult Learner Awards’ winner Eileen Younghusband served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force in the Filter Rooms of RAF Fighter Command.
Now in her late eighties, Eileen has written an autobiography about her experiences, shedding light on her part in Britain’s war effort.
Eileen wrote the book ‘for all the young women whose work and dedication to duty have never been recognised.’ Detailing the inner workings of RAF Fighter Command, Eileen story brings to light a secret nerve centre, vital in the wartime defence of Britain. ‘It was in these crowded and hectic underground rooms where the RADAR information was collated, corrected and identified as friend or foe - all done at great speed,’ says Eileen ‘ This vital information initiated the air raid warnings, Fighter interceptions, instigated Air Sea Rescue and advised Artillery units for gunlaying. It was the secret link, which defended Britain.’
For information on how to order a copy of the book, please call 029 2037 0900
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