Learning Links a local charity in Portsmouth awarded customers for overcoming their barriers and reaching their personal achievements.

Customers were nominated by the mentors and Health Trainers who work with them one-to-one. In total 11 customers won awards and 7 customers attended the event.

The 7 customers that attended were Trevor Nevitt, Joe Montana, Mark Owen, Carole Roberts, Colin Brant, Debbie Ann Phoenix and Andy Paradise.

The awards were given to the customers by Learning Links Chair of Trustees Adele Theobald, Learning Links CEO Zoe Gray and the customers’ personal mentors and Health Trainers.

Zoe Gray said ‘I was bowled over by the progress that of the customers that received prizes. It practically moved me to tears.’

‘It was a great reminder to all the Learning Links staff how important the work we do is and how we support people in turning their lives around.’

Trevor Nevitt won an award for Proactive Job Search. Regardless of his health he always attended job club, was there at 12pm, engaged in all the interventions and is now in employment as a KP. 

Joe Montana won an award for Significant Achievement.

Her mentor Penelope said ‘Joe had missed out on something we all take for granted, an education. She has now taken her own initiative to go back to learning and is now doing a literacy course. She has a positive attitude and doesn’t let the past hinder her future.’

Mark Owen received an award for Positive Contribution. He mentor, Leah said ‘Mark had given a positive contribution to the learning environment. He had also shown great enthusiasm and got involved in all the courses where possible.’

The customers were nominated from a range of projects which include the Work Programme, Next Steps, Health for Work and Health Trainers.

Mark Owen won a second award for the winner of Learning Links Christmas card competition.

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