Neil determined to overcome dyslexia

Aug 30 2007 

by Staff Reporter, Skelmersdale Advertister

A DIGMOOR man is going on an adult literacy course so he can learn to read bedtime stories to his children.

Neil Selkirk, 37, suffers from dyslexia – something which was never picked up on despite going all the way through primary and secondary education. The Blythewood resident says he now wants to improve his literacy so that one day he can start a family and read to his children.This is only the start for Neil and he has many plans for the future which include starting on a maths programme and eventually getting back into employment.

And thanks to the Working Wonders programme, he is now starting to build up his confidence.

Neil said: “I didn’t get very involved in school.

“I’ve managed to go through life with my literacy problems unnoticed but this programme has given me the confidence to get myself back on my feet.

“The people who run it are great but in the long run it’s down to me, I wish I’d done it years ago.”

The Working Wonders course is a non-profit organisation that aims to help adults improve their life skills. Classes were made available for those aged 16 and over at Digmoor Community Centre through the Safer Stronger Communities Fund and are run by Joyce Hanlon.

She said: “Working Wonders originally started in Wigan where it has been a successful venture and is now an important part of the local community. The aim is to provide specialist teaching for local people who want to improve their skills or move forward in life.

“A lot of people have the ability and just need someone to tell them they can do it. Learners are not just numbers but real people.

“Skills for life have to be offered in the community, in a friendly and supportive environment. It’s about giving confidence and ability.”

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