In April 2015, Valerie Mains, a retired OSG (Operational Support Grade) from HMP Rochester, joined a computer class run by POA Learning in Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey. The weekly classes, held at the Sheerness Healthy Living centre in partnership with local charity Swale Your Way, are aimed at community members with little to no digital skills. 

The classes are flexible; learners can learn at their own pace and can attend when it suits them. Valerie has been attending the classes for just under a year now, but is starting to feel as though all of her hard work is paying off.

Valerie said:

I first heard about the computer classes after I had attended a session with S.A.T.E.D.A (Swale Action To End Domestic Abuse), who recommended a number of activities run by Swale your Way. My friend Doreen suggested that I should join her at the computer sessions run at the Healthy Living Centre, so I plucked up the courage to attend. 

At first, it was daunting, but due to my tutors patience and understanding, I was able to gradually reach a number of milestones and achieve a variety of certificates to show my progress."

Valerie has made massive progress since joining the class, and can now confidently use the computer to do a number of things, such as renewing her driving license online, access online health services and confidently use Facebook. Last month she decided she wanted to sit the City and Guilds Online Basics exam, which she passed, achieving an entry level 3 Online Basics certificate. 

SATEDA stands for Swale Action To End Domestic Abuse; they are an organisation that support victims of domestic abuse. 

Gareth Williams, Regional Centre Manager with POA Learning said:

I'm very proud of what Valerie has achieved since starting the ICT classes. Her confidence has grown with her ability, and she is now able to use a computer to do a range of things. She comes into the sessions with a smile on her face every week and is not afraid to challenge herself. I am glad that she has found the classes useful and look forward to helping her develop her skills further in the future. 

Valerie's story shows that you are never to old to learn, and highlights the positive impact unions can have on communities. Working with other community groups, we have been able to engage individuals who otherwise might not have access to learning opportunities, which helps to narrow the digital skills gap."

Valerie has stated that she will continue to access the classes to broaden her knowledge of computing, and is looking forward to developing other skills such as word processing.

For more information about the classes and how to book a place, please contact Eastchurch POA Learning Centre at [email protected]