New chapter for 'Rebecca'

When Novus learner ‘Rebecca’ arrived at HMP Low Newton, she could not read and had not completed her formal education. With children and grandchildren at home, it broke her heart that she could not join in with reading sessions.

After beginning her sentence, she engaged with the Shannon Trust mentor on her wing and started to learn how to read. As her confidence grew, she became motivated to continue improving her literacy skills and gain qualifications in the process.

Rebecca then engaged with the Novus outreach class and achieved Entry Level 1, 2 and 3 qualifications in English, combining her academic commitments with her main job in the Sewing Sisters. She is now working towards Level 1.

The Story

Rebecca is looking forwarded to going home and reading to her grandchildren. She said: “I never thought I would learn to read.

“I am going to have a better life now and will be able to help my grandkids when they go to school. Novus helped me loads and I am so proud of what I have managed to do.

“I had never been given a certificate for anything in my life.” 

Rebecca is very happy about what she has managed to do and recognises the positive impact this is going to have on the rest of her life. She now has the confidence to visit the library and has started reading short stories.