When James joined HACRO, he was determinedto make positive changes in his life. He wanted to improve his reading andmaths, but turning those goals into achievements would take time, patience andthe confidence to keep trying.
HACRO’s tutors and mentors worked alongsideJames to create a plan around his goals. Regular one-to-one learning was onlypart of the support. Through volunteering, physical activities and creativeprojects, he built positive routines, formed connections and foundopportunities to recognise his own strengths.
Then James achieved his first literacycertificate. It was a milestone worth celebrating, but the change that followedwas perhaps even more meaningful: he began picking up books and reading forpleasure in his own time, simply because he wanted to.
Today, James continues working towardsfurther qualifications. He is also a dependable volunteer who turns up eachweek, works hard and readily supports others.
His progress is about more than improvingliteracy. It is about growing confidence, finding a place in the community anddiscovering that new possibilities are within reach. When someone is supportedto believe in their own potential, the benefits can extend to everyone whoselives they touch.
James is apseudonym used to protect the participant’s identity.
