Cheryl S Story

Cheryl’s Story

Cheryl moved to the area in 2006, following family issues. She was suffering from ill-health and her confidence was so low that she was nearly housebound and had to force herself out for a walk. Cheryl decided to try using a computer again even though she did not have one herself. Fed up with having to book a computer in the city-centre, she eventually plucked up courage to step into Valley Online Centre, having walked past the door on numerous occasions. Cheryl says: “I never used to talk to anyone and would tuck myself away in the corner.”

After a while she was more comfortable talking to other users as well as the Online Centre staff, whom she describes as ‘determined’ to get her to engage with them when she was ready! Having completed the myguidebeginners’ course (now called learnmyway) Cheryl discovered that she enjoyed using the computer more than shehad thought. In time, Cheryl started helping the Online Centre staff when they were busy and this led, over time to her helping every day. Cheryl says: “I become a registered volunteer and really enjoyed it. It also gave me something to get out of bed for!”

During her time as a full time volunteer, around 4 years, Cheryl has completed various courses, including: National Open College Network (NOCN) level 1 and 2 in Microsoft Office Word, Excel; Powerpoint; and Publisher as well as First aid and Food Hygiene level 2. She also went on to further study, undertaking a teaching course (PTLLS) with Northern College, enabling her to teach basic/beginners ICT to adults.

Cheryl says “all this gave me great confidence and looked excellent on my CV and I was now in a position to start looking for employment. I also managed to fit in volunteering at the London 2012 Paralympic Games during this time.”

When the vacancy for an Online Centre Support Assistant came up she applied for it and was successful in getting the job, thanks to all the skills she picked up along her journey, and the “determination, confidence and faith from Gleadless Valley Community Forum”, she says.

She has now been employed for 5 months working in the Valley Online Centre, helping clients with all aspects of using computers, from nervous beginners using a computer for the first time to helping people write a CV or apply for a job or even booking a holiday online.

Finally, Cheryl says: “you are never too old to learn, and I am here to support you all the way!!”