Learners honoured at awards ceremony

FORESIGHT members who overcame great obstacles on the road to achievement have been recognised at the charity's first annual awards ceremony.

The event to recognise the learning, sporting and social achievements of volunteers and disabled people was held at Grimsby's Central Hall, in what the charity hopes will become a yearly occasion.

Sue Bell, projects manager for the charity, based on Grimsby's Newmarket Street, said the ceremony was a chance to praise the people with various disabilities who make use of the organisation's educational services and activities.

She said: "The people who were nominated were all chosen for going that little bit further and for doing that little bit more.

"The awards are also a way of showing what can be achieved by helping people overcome the barriers of their disability, as for some people just walking through our door for the first time is a barrier they have to overcome."

Chair of Foresight John Cremen added: "The awards mean a lot because it shows these individuals they can come to Foresight and be appreciated and it also gives them something to aim for in the future."

Twenty-four-year-old Stacey Eunson, of Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, took home the award for most improved learner.

She said: "When they called my name out I was so nervous I didn't want to go on the stage at first, but I feel so happy to win something.

"Foresight have taught me and helped me to get a job and I'm really grateful to them for everything they have done for me."

Travis Browning, 22, of Westfield Grove, Cleethorpes, was crowned learner of the year after gaining a number of qualifications and securing part-time work earlier this year.

He said: "I joined Foresight as part of the Stepping Forward to Work scheme and took a variety of courses like confidence classes and courses in assertiveness which helped me to gain employment.

"I've managed to get a job working with North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus and the help I've received from Foresight has been tremendous – without them, I wouldn't be where I am today."

See today's Grimsby Telegraph for a list of award winners.