Alison was a nurse working at HMP Elmley. She initially contacted the Eastchurch POA Learning centre having been recommended by a friend at the prison. The POA Learning Centre is funded in partnership by the Union Learning Fund (ULF).

Here is her experience of learning with the POA:

I first heard about POA learning from an officer I was working with in the prison hospital.  I have been in touch with POA learning since 2011.

I was scared at first but made a call to the centre and spoke to Gareth, the learning centre manager at Eastchurch Learning Centre. Gareth, from the time we first spoke, has always been encouraging, helpful, friendly, welcoming and always seems happy to hear from you, nothing seems too much trouble for him.

I have done some English and Maths work which has helped me improve my written work.  Gareth has helped me with referencing and grammar as well as spelling to improve all aspects of my learning.

With the centre, I have also taken part in the Six Book Challenge and completed it, which I really enjoyed.

As well as this, I have completed a certificate in business and administration. The encouragement and help I have received from POA Learning gave me the courage to embark on an Open University course, and still they continue with their support.

To continue with POA I am looking to update my medical qualifications and know that POA have some of these to offer.  Whatever my next steps are I know that Eastchurch POA centre will be right with me!”