After years of struggling with a lack of purpose, Joanne discovered her love of learning through a sustainable cookery course at her local WEA (Workers’ Educational Association). Joanne soon realised she wanted more in life and began volunteering at a local school helping to run the breakfast club. Fast forward two years and she is now studying to become a teaching assistant.

“Before finding the WEA, I was stuck at home. I had worked all my life but when I had my youngest two children, I felt like I’d lost my way.

“It was my friend who introduced me to the WEA and encouraged me to go to the cookery class. I went and absolutely loved it. I ended up volunteering at the school’s breakfast club.

“I moved on to Functional Skills English and Maths courses. I’m now training to be a teaching assistant and doing the placement in the children’s school. I want to progress to nursery nursing next.

“Attending WEA courses has been life-changing for me. I never thought attending one cookery class would bring me this far. I am now equipped with some amazing skills that have set me up for life.”