Press Release

Kent mum wins national prize for inspirational work with substance misusers

17 April 2008

A mother of four from Kent has won the City & Guilds ‘Skills for Justice Prize’, thanks to her fantastic efforts whilst studying for the Progression Award in Community Justice at South Kent College, in Folkestone. 

After leaving school at 13 and not returning to education until almost 30 years later, Joanne Dillane’s efforts have been truly extraordinary, as she completed the Award with flying colours, proving an inspiration to both fellow learners and teachers along the way, with her open and honest attitude and dedication to the course.

Joanne was presented with the top prize of £500 by Alan Woods OBE, Chief Executive of Skills for Justice, the Sector Skills Council for UK Justice who sponsor the prize and develop the Progression Award qualification, at the City & Guilds Lion Awards ceremony in London on Monday 14 April.  The ceremony celebrated the achievements of those who have recently completed City & Guilds courses.  Alan picked the winner himself from several other nominations and says, “It was really inspiring to hear about Joanne’s recent achievements.  She is an inspiration, a very deserving winner of this prize and I wish her every success in the future.”

Joanne’s formal schooling came to an end when she was just 13, and it wasn’t long before she had come to the attentions of the local criminal justice system.  The thought of going back into education as a single mum at the age of 42 absolutely terrified Joanne, but she dedicated herself to the course. 

“I had my problems when I was younger as lots of people do,” says Joanne. “When I started the course I found it very daunting at first and I really lacked confidence.  I knew that I was capable of doing the work but I had very low self-esteem.  The course has inspired me to move nearer to achieving my goals.  Before this I had never completed anything in my life.”

Joanne showed exemplary commitment and motivation, producing some outstanding work as part of the caseload that was assigned to her.  She even inspired other group members with her open and frank comments about the difficulties she encountered in her earlier life. 

Joanne never missed a lesson, despite having to arrange childcare with friends and neighbours for her two youngest children, before driving the 120 mile round trip to the College in Folkestone from her home near Gravesend, having her 22 year old car stolen twice during the year-long course.

“It was a struggle, but I really enjoyed it” explains Joanne.  “I was at college one day a week, and I did voluntary work for the other 4 days - drug and alcohol dependency treatment work with the NHS, and work with Turning Point, a social care organisation who do great work across the country with those affected by drug and alcohol misuse.  Since finishing the course in January, I have now got a job with Turning Point as an Enhanced Arrest Referral Worker.  I work with Kent Police, talking to prisoners in the cells about their concerns with drugs and if necessary I fast-track them into treatment to help them.  I really enjoy it.”

The Progression Award in Community Justice is a Level 3 City and Guilds qualification that helps develop the skills of people working in drug and alcohol misuse services.  It is run in partnership with Kent County Council’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team, involves practical studies and is open to anyone, including those who have experienced substance misuse first-hand, as well as people already working in the sector as paid or volunteer staff.  Like Joanne, many students have now secured paid work in the field following completion of the course.

Sally Duncan, Workforce Development Officer at Kent County Council’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team who taught Joanne and nominated her for the prize said:

“Joanne’s outstanding abilities shone continuously throughout the course, and her frank and open attitude helped inspire others to open up about their experiences, creating a unique learning environment.  Joanne has huge potential to become a successful practitioner and will be an asset to any employer.  

So what does the future hold for Joanne?  “I’m really enjoying my work at the moment,” she continues. “There’s lots of training available which I’m making the most of, and in the future I’d like to become a Team Leader with Turning Point.”

 

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