Helen Page

When mum of two Helen Page visited her local learndirect centre to gain new skills little did she know that it would be a life-changing experience and she would end up being a tutor herself!

It was three years ago when Helen, 41, from Burrington in Devon, first visited the learndirect centre at Chulmleigh Learning Library.

"I wanted to see if I could update my skills and I gained English, maths and IT qualifications. I was terrified before I first visited the centre because I thought it would be in a classroom setting but it wasn't like that at all and I was able to do individual learning. The help and support I was given was second to none. I actually passed my English exam in only one week with 92.5%! That did wonders for my confidence and I didn't look back," she said.

Helen, who is married to Barry and has two daughters Alex, 16 and Morgan, 11, went on to gain a qualification to be an adult educator and is now a volunteer tutor for learndirect at Chulmleigh Learning Library.

"When I started studying the learndirect courses it was because I wanted to shape my skills so I could help my daughters with their school work, particularly my youngest as she has an autistic spectrum disorder. I wanted to be able to use different techniques to help her learn," Helen said.

"My whole learning experience with learndirect has boosted my confidence in so many ways. I'm more sociable, especially with the new learners that I tutor. If they're really nervous like I was when I first started I work really hard to put them at ease. It's also benefited my children because I can now help them with their English, maths and IT."

Helen is now looking forward to beginning a further teacher training course in September and in the future hopes to find employment as an adult educator.

Helen has also been appointed a learndirect Digital Champion to inspire others to learn computer and internet skills and has shown up to 80 people how to get online.

"We teach one day courses at Chulmleigh Learning Library in computer keyboard and email skills, internet security and online searches. I think a lot of people who don't know how to use computers can be fearful of them. But it is important that people have these skills. A lot of companies now prefer their customers to have paperless bills for example. We are teaching people these skills to take the fear out of it and make it fun," Helen explained.

"I'm so thrilled to become a Digital Champion. I took my youngest daughter with me to a Digital Champions event in London in May because I knew it would be such an experience for her and I wanted her to see that if you work hard for something you get rewards.

"I love learning with learndirect and being a volunteer tutor for the organisation – it's the best move I ever made!"