Community learning support
The development of a nationwide network of Community Learning Champions (CLCs) is considered crucial to persuading some of the most disadvantaged and underachieving adults to return to learning in order to enhance their lives.
Stephanie Picketts turned her life around through taking part in a creative arts project while living in sheltered accommodation. Her success inspired her to become a learning champion, and she has helped 30 fellow residents, all young homeless people, to attend courses.
"As an ex-resident, and from my own experiences of learning, I have an understanding of the barriers young people in this situation may face. When told about the CLC programme I recognised an opportunity to encourage, engage and motivate other people. It was empowering and inspirational," the 20-year-old says.
Stephanie is also supporting about a dozen others she has introduced to learning, including those with mental health issues. She entered Coventry Foyer, a foundation that provides safe, supported housing to young people aged 16 to 24, after dropping out from university, a decision which led to her falling out with her family.
Among those she is supporting is a young woman who is developing photography skills. Stephanie explained: "It has made a big difference to her confidence. Before she thought of college as unattainable, but now has faith in her abilities."
Stephanie is now back living at home and has decided to return to university to study for a degree in fine arts. She attributes her change of direction to the informal course she took at Foyer, which was run by the environmental regeneration charity Groundwork. "The impact was massive," she says. "It was the first experience I had of learning being enjoyable and positive."
Stephanie is one of 23 people trained as community learning champions in the Coventry area. They have recruited 500 learners through Groundwork's partnerships with neighbourhood and women's groups, faith organisations, libraries, parent groups and community events.