Learning has helped to provide a way out of very difficult circumstances for one learner from Wishaw.
For Keith Bence has had to overcome many barriers, including dyslexia and drug and alcohol use to turn his life around.
Keith, 36, explained: “I come from what they call a ‘problem’ background – my family, like many others, had problems and when I was 16, my parents separated and I got a flat of my own. At that point, I hated the world and thought there was hardly any point to anything, there was a lot of anger and rage inside me.
“I got into trouble with the police and started experimenting with drugs and alcohol to the point where it became a problem. But I knew there must be something better out there for me and was determined to do something with my life.
“I managed to get off drink and drugs, became a Christian and started a course in Sports Coaching and Development at Motherwell College. It was while I was there that I came across The Mezz, the learndirect scotland learning centre.
“The manager there became, and still is, a very good friend to me. She taught me all I know about computers and how to touch type and all of this built up my confidence and enabled me to think that I was able to go on and do some further learning.
“The Mezz was a place where I could learn but also where I could make friends and learn skills with that could make my life better. I was still struggling to believe in myself and really didn’t think I was good enough to learn but that all changed when I started going to the learning centre and slowly gaining confidence.”
Keith, who had previously worked as a labourer, found that learning when he wanted to in a supportive environment meant that his dyslexia did not have to hold him back. He could also fit in his visits to the Mezz whenever he wanted to.
Keith added: “I eventually used the skills I learned to go on to university and I now teach sport to youngsters aged between 14 and 18 who have severe behavioural problems. As well as being able to identify with them, I can encourage them to have the confidence to go on and make something of themselves, just as I was encouraged at The Mezz.”