Outstanding Achievement Award Public Vote

Judith Richardson (30)

Nominated By - Pauline Forster, Community & Cultural Services Community Development Department

At one time, just getting out of the house was an achievement for Judith Richardson, from Hetton. Judith’s turning point came during one of her rare and feared trips outdoors when a panic attack left her lost, disorientated and bemused in a place she knew well. At that point, she realised her children were becoming as much parents to her as she was to them.

Through the Hetton community based learning project, Judith, age 30, also undertook assertiveness training, psychology and various ICT courses. With LSC North East funding, Numeracy and Literacy Level 2 qualifications followed before she enrolled with the City of Sunderland College for the first time and successfully completed a Level 2 Functional Skills qualification and two Adult Teaching Level 3 courses.

Judith has subsequently trained to be a learndirect facilitator, and in September last year she completed the first stage of the Level 4 Adult Teaching qualification and is on track to collect her cap and gown at the end of the course.

Judith said about her achievements: “I know how valuable support and learning can be. It can be truly life changing. Of course I want to improve myself, get out of the benefit culture and be a role model to my children but helping others to do the same is a big driver for me.”

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