Thamesmead Resident Wins Regional Award

Thamesmead resident, Angela Wilden, who completed an Advice and Guidance Support NVQ3, recently won an Adult Learner's Week's, Individual Regional Award.

Angela, who registered with Trust Thamesmead's training and job search department, Building Futures, attended the three month course, which also featured volunteering with Greenwich's Community Learning Champions project, which helps families registered with the UK's leading family support charity, Home Start, in supporting parents with their training and learning needs and benefits that are open to them.

It was through her volunteering for the Greenwich Community Learning Champions project, that Volunteers Centre Greenwich nominated Angela for the national Adult Learners Week award.

There were two categories, the first of which Angela was nominated for:

• Individuals in recognition of their achievements and who have transformed their lives through learning and have inspired others and
• Inspiring learning projects, which recognise innovative projects that are improving access to adult learning.

Angela said: “It was so nice to have a pat on the back.” said Angela. “Children get praised all the time but as adults we don't, so this feels great.

“I am looking to gain employment in supporting families and volunteers. The award will look great on my CV; I hope it impresses potential employers.”

Volunteers Centre Greenwich's, Volunteer and Training Manager, Lyn Asquith-Brown, said: “Angela has been a long-term volunteer with the Community Learning Champions project and accessed some training through Volunteers Centre Greenwich, including NVQ in Advice and Guidance. Her skills at encouraging and referring potential learners have often been used in mentoring new Learning Champion and has earned her a great deal of respect among her volunteer colleagues and with the project worker at VCG. We would like to extend our congratulations in being recognised in this way.”

Each nominee received a certificate of achievement and winners received a learning voucher, valued between £200 and £1000 at an awards ceremony during Adult Learners' Week, 14-20 May.

Trust Thamesmead is making volunteering a priority and is working with Volunteer Centre Greenwich and Volunteer Centre Bexley in strengthening and increasing the number of volunteering opportunities available to Thamesmead residents in the local area.

If you would like to find out more about volunteering opportunities, please contact Trust Thamesmead's Outreach Support Worker, Sarah Feleppa, T: 020 8320 4470.

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