Awards night recognises achievements of family and community learners in Wiltshire

People from across Wiltshire who have had their lives transformed through the power of learning were invited to a special awards ceremony this month.

The Family and Community Learning Awards Ceremony was an opportunity to congratulate those on their learning journey and the positive impact it has made in their lives.

Family and Community Learning is an adult community education programme which provides courses for adults in well-being, skills for independent living, helping their child, and work skills. The council also provides programmes in English for speakers of other languages who are resettling in the county.

There were seven categories of awards: new directions, learning for health and well-being award, English language learning award, overcoming challenges award, independent living award, into work award and outstanding individual learner award.

New Directions Award winner Emily Roger said: "Having the support from amazing tutors gave me back my confidence. I am so grateful for these courses and enjoyed every minute of them."

Maria Barandalla-Fernandez who received the Into Work award said: “It was a great ceremony, so many encouraging stories. I am really happy for getting an award. It has been challenging for me to go back into work trying to balance my family needs but I am really grateful for receiving the support from FACL. All the team from admins to tutors have been very supportive and encouraging in achieving my objective. I recommend anyone that needs to refresh skills or need to feel more confident to enrol on these courses. I am now enjoying my job at a school and I can only say thank you for what you do.”

Stephen Traveller was given the Overcoming Challenges Award. He said: “I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to attend the course “Overcoming Challenges” organised by The Wiltshire Council Family and Community Learning Team. I am honoured and privileged to be the recipient of the Overcoming Challenge Winner Award which had 12 nominees. The award is a testament to the incredible support and guidance the Learning Team provided to all individuals attending the course. Our instructor Shelly Bolwell was very knowledgeable and presented herself in a highly professional manner, which made the understanding of the subject easier to take in. Shelly is a credit to the Family and Community Learning Team. In conclusion, receiving the award is a humbling experience and I am grateful for this honour.” 

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said:: “Congratulations to all our learners and those who attended this awards ceremony. It was a brilliant evening.  So many inspiring stories, showing how people have taken on learning and it has transformed their lives. Congratulations to you all – not just for the awards, but for everything you do. The Family and Community Learning Team is doing amazing work and this special event demonstrates the value that learning can have for everyone.”

For more information on courses available, who is eligible to attend and details of upcoming learning opportunities https://workwiltshire.co.uk/whats-on/