Case Study

My name is John Williamson and I’m writing this to help both Access to Industry and the people who use the Service there.

I needed help for mental health and alcohol problems, for which I attended group and face-to-face meetings at Turning Point over the course of approximately two years. It was through my case worker there that I heard of Access to Industry.

I was initially apprehensive about going, but, with continued encouragement, I went and I am so grateful that I did. Access to Industry helped me first of all by listening to me about the problems that I had had, and also which I still currently faced, and this put me at ease. The help I received was outstanding, which spurred me on to start new things – I felt good within myself, which in turn made me want to go on and do my very best and begin to learn new skills.

The educational aspect is second to none. There’s so much on offer! I had no qualifications because I didn’t give a hoot when I was younger about school and my education. I was thrown out of school at the age of thirteen after being at two high schools, then put into care for bad behaviour until I was sixteen. But I’m now 57 years old and learning things.

The courses that I participated in were online mostly, but with tutorial presence on hand – this really helped with Computing. From there I went on to do SVQs in Communications, Wellbeing, Local Investigation, and – my proudest achievement so far – a Diploma in Cultural Events! My hopes for the future are to be happy and carefree.