Terry’s Story

"Terry is a 32 year old man who joined the Programme with limited literacy and numeracy, but having attending a literacy course at Stanley hub, made excellent progress. Taking a major part in caring for his young daughter on a daily basis, they both supported each other in developing their reading skills."

Terry joined the Programme with limited literacy and numeracy, but having attending a literacy course at Stanley hub, made excellent progress. Taking a major part in caring for his young daughter on a daily basis, they both supported each other in developing their reading skills. Since his Father’s passing for whom he spent several years caring, Terry began to seek employment, and worked hard to develop his work-related skills. Terry enjoys outdoor life including tending to his allotment and growing fresh vegetables and raising hens and ducks for eggs to feed his family. Working his Navigator and Health Trainer, Terry improved his strength and developed new methods of movement to protect his back issues. Having had significant problems with poor diet, he developed a knowledge of nutrition and diet which has shown in his healthy weight gain and an increased confidence when working with ROAD Staff. As a consequence of the improvements Terry has experienced, he requested a referral to voluntary work at a garden centre near his home via Durham Community Action, however, before this could be established, Terry discovered that his application for a part-time cleaning post he had found had been accepted. Terry’s outstanding personality far outweighed his literacy skills and he was able to demonstrate an understanding of COSHH and the safe use of cleaning chemicals. Although his paid employment is only 3 hours a week, Terry is over the moon, and the Company has promised to offer him additional hours as and when they become available.