This is Chris' story.....

I am 54 and had a previous career in telecommunications with BT and South African Telecom.  Due to personal circumstances my previous life "disappeared" and I was on the benefit system for 10 years until I was offered and willingly received medical help.
 
It was at this point I got back on course with my education.  I have always studied and have an HNC in electronics College where I did strengths & weaknesses etc.  I then carried on with a Directions course and it opened my thoughts to a new career working with people in the Probation Service or Social Work.  Having experienced 1st level management, divorce, emigration, armed forces, homelessness, benefit system, CSA, police and recovery from addiction (4 yrs), I felt I had a few hands on experience of life.
 
I decided to get some education around Welfare so I did the Foundation course on Welfare Studies in 2004 and passed with distinction.  I found education had changed so much from my day, what with IT and general teaching methods, but with help from the library staff at Poole college I enjoyed learning new skills in this Hi-Tech world.  I then jumped a year and did my Diploma in Welfare Studies in which I obtained a credit pass. I had applied to BU to do a SW degree but failed at interview level but took heart from the fact that I got an interview out of 900 applicants.  At this point Judy got me interested in the Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care which I have completed my 1st year with a +/- 60% pass rate. I find the course very interesting but hard work as I have 3 jobs with Bournemouth Borough Council. Namely Driver, Daycare assistant and Homecare assistant -  50 hrs a week! . Just recently I had an interview for Instructor which is a grade below the S/W and my involvement with college at my age has impressed my manager and I had to employ my newly found presentation skills.
 
So as you can see Im pretty busy and still trying to fit in my NVQ at work.  I have to say when judy asked if I would like to be involved with your project I felt very proud and honoured. I have a very positive and energetic approach to life these days and I am sure I will be a Social Worker in some capacity in the next few years.  Thanks for reading about some of my life history.