Hannah Wilkins

Patron’s Award winner

2020

Patron's Award

Education had been a negative experience for Hannah in the past and she had left school when she was 13 as a result of bullying. At age 28, motivated by a desire to better support her children with their school work, she decided it was the right time for her to return to learning.

My life has been about my children for so long that I wanted to do something for myself and work out what career I wanted. After seeing the confidence course advertised on Facebook I re-started my learning with Wiltshire Council Family and Community Learning. I began by attending the Confidence and New Directions courses at my local children’s centre and since then I have completed over 20 different courses and achieved level 2 in Functional Skills English and Maths.

Going back to learning has given me so much confidence. I’ve formed long-lasting friendships and been introduced to people from all different walks of life. I found the confidence to nominate myself to be a Governor for Wiltshire Family and Community Learning, and I’ve been able to start further education to pursue my dream job as a support worker.

It has helped my children too, as I have been able to support them with their homework, help them relax, and been given ideas about getting out into nature and healthier eating. It has given me back my confidence to learn that I lost at young age. It has shown myself, my friends and family that it is never too late to learn something new.

Laura Trowbridge, Family and Community Learning Tutor with Wiltshire Council said, “The journey Hannah has taken to develop such a confident and positive vision for her future is phenomenal. Hannah is an inspiration to her family, and to all who meet her.”