ONCE plagued by clinical depression, Judith Richardson never dreamed she could become an award-winning student.

But learning gave her the strength medications couldn't – and turned her life around.

Now she has scooped an Outstanding Regional Learner of the Year Award and is passing on her new-found skills to others.

The 30-year-old Hetton mum said: "I had suffered from clinical depression for 10 years that had been quite heavy at times.

"It got to the point where I was existing, not living. I didn't want to go out and that behaviour became habitual. Now I am never in."

Judith's situation came to a head on a visit to the Hetton Centre, where she suffered a panic attack.

"Staff at the centre looked after me and suggested that I take up one of their courses to build up my confidence and meet new people."

The suggestion worked and enrolling in short courses, such as assertiveness training and ICT, set her on a life-changing journey.

She has now completed several adult teaching qualifications at Shiney Row College, has trained to be a learndirect facilitator and teaches family history at the Hetton Centre.

Judith, who is mum to Bradley, 10, Ryan, five and Mikayla, two, said: "Learning means the world to me. I could never have done it without the support of the community project.

"I wish I could win the lottery to fund them forever because they gave me my life back and no tablet or doctor in the world could do that."

She added: "A lot of funding goes into education for under-18s, but it doesn't have to stop there – I teach people into their 80s.

"And by engaging them in something they are interested in, like family history, it encourages them to take up other learning."

She added: "I would just like to thank everybody who has supported me in the last year."

In recognition of her efforts to change her own – and others' – lives, Judith was this week awarded the Outstanding Regional Learner of the Year Award at the Adult Learners' Week National Awards Ceremony in London.

David Lammy, Minister for Skills, said: "I never fail to be inspired by the stories I hear about learners' achievements. Judith's hard work confirms my belief that improving your skills can be a life changing experience."

"The benefits better skills bring to learners and those around them are wide-ranging. On a personal level people become more confident and have higher self–esteem, and individuals can develop better job prospects.
This can lead to parents being better able to help their children with homework and learner's employers becoming more competitive."


Celebration of adult learning
ADULT Learners' Week is the largest annual celebration of adult learning in the UK.

It is organised by National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), the leading non-governmental organisation for lifelong learning in England.

A national helpline – learndirect – is available year-round for confidential advice and information about careers and courses.

The call handlers will have access to the NIACE website and can give information about local activities.

Calls are free on 0800 100 900.

For more information on courses available at the Hetton Centre, contact 553 6790.

Company sees the power of investing in people
A PETERLEE employer is giving staff every opportunity to launch into learning.

Npower this week opened a new learning resource centre at Raven House, Team Valley.

It's hoped the centre will help around 1,000 staff annually to develop both career-related and personal skills.

The launch was attended by tutors from City of Sunderland College, who will be teaching at the learning facility. Courses on offer include IT certifications, literacy and numeracy qualifications, and work-based modules including project management.

Personal interest courses covering languages, sign languages, health and safety and healthy eating will also be on offer.

Lesley Blower, learning resource centre manager at Npower, said: "We are committed to investing in our people by helping them both in and out of work time and are keen to give them every opportunity to develop their skills base, whether it be on a vocational, educational or personal level."