I’m a Skillstep graduate

 

Charlotte Owens

I lost my sight suddenly. When I came home from hospital, I didn’t want to become a hermit, so I called Henshaws, and they suggested Skillstep.

The course was really varied and we did everything from cooking to visiting an art gallery. I loved the IT part of the course because the trainer really understood visual impairments. 

 

 

Everything we learned was useful and practical; I’d had sight for 24 years so I didn’t need to be taught to cook - I needed to know how to cook without chopping off my fingers! 

Less than a year after I lost my sight, I have two qualifications, I have my own flat and I hope to train as a rehabilitation officer.  In fact, I’m doing more with my life now than I was before I was visually impaired. I’m really excited about my future. 

 

Simon Merrills

I joined Skillstep at the right time.  My sight had started to determine my life. My wife and I had to give up the pub we ran in Southport and I really went into myself.  I just didn’t see the point in going out. The Job Centre suggested Skillstep. 

After finishing the course, I started volunteering as an IT trainer.  I really enjoy getting people out of a rut and back on track, just like Henshaws did for me. 

 

This year I enrolled at university.  Skillstep made me realise I can do exactly what I want to do. My sight loss is not as big a problem as I once thought it was.