In Summer 2014, Doreen Chapman was told about a computer course being run by Swale Your Way in partnership with POA Learning at the Healthy Living Centre in Sheerness. 

Swale Your Way are a branch of Together UK, a national charity working alongside people with mental health issues, providing guidance and support to overcome obstacles and move forwards in their lives. 

The computer course covers a variety of essential skills that are key to an individual being able to use a computer with confidence, such as using email, filling out online forms and using public services online. The idea behind the course is to provide digital skills that empower an individual, having a positive impact on their everyday lives and open up new ways of socialising and communicating via platforms such as social media and email. 

Doreen had little experience in using computers which meant she was instantly attracted to the course. She had been keen to learn the basics for many years but had never had the opportunity. As a grandmother, she wanted to be able to develop skills to communicate with her grandchildren online, and also be able to have a conversation with them about computers. 

She attended the first class in June 2014, and hasn’t looked back since. She felt that although her progress has been slow, she has taken her time to achieve things that she never thought she would have been able to.

Doreen said:

The course has been very interesting. I have always struggled with Dyslexia, meaning learning is something that I find difficult. I read and write by memory. But I have slowly worked through the course, and have learnt a lot. My tutor, Gareth, has been helpful. He is very patient; I sometimes feel like I ask him the same questions every week!"

After completing all of her learning, Doreen enquired about completing the Entry Level 3 Online Basics qualification advertised on the Learn My Way web site. Her tutor felt that she was well equipped to take the test, so a date was set for her to take the exam. 

Doreen became the first learner to achieve the Online Basics qualification through POA Learning. The certificate is evidence of the hard work and perseverance she has shown since starting the course, and is a great example of how anyone with a desire and commitment to learning can achieve amazing things, regardless of their prior ability. 

Despite gaining her certificate, Doreen has continued to attend the computer course and is keen to carry on learning about computers and the internet (as long as she can work at her own pace).