our learners – kerry’s story
I first heard about the guitar group at Back on Track a few years ago. I was suffering from depression and social phobias, which meant that I hadn’t worked for 15 years and often found it hard to leave the house. I said to myself that I would go along for one session, just to see what it was like – well, it was a really friendly and relaxed atmosphere and I felt at home straightaway.
Before too long I was helping other people in the guitar group, and this led to me becoming a volunteer at the centre, and getting my Adult Learner Support qualification. After about 18 months a job came up as Guitar Tutor at the centre. I didn’t really have the nerve to apply for it, but one of the other volunteers got me the application form – and I ended up getting the job!
Within a year I had got my level 4 teaching qualification and been promoted to a Development Worker role. I gained so much confidence and useful experience from my time at Back on Track, and I’ve now moved on to a permanent job as Co-ordinator of the Lesbian Community Project.