James Monaghan
Jim was encouraged to take up learning by HOPE for the Homeless following years of alcohol and substance misuse. Initially Jim agreed as a way to take his mind off personal problems, but it soon became a desire to learn. At the age of 48, Jim first attended NOCN Money Management and Budgeting courses, moving on to Anger Management and Emotional Literacy. He then completed NOCN Independent Living and soon after secured a flat where he could live. Jim now works for Lighthouse Homes homeless project as a support worker, teaching budgeting and life skills to clients, as well as voluntary work with ex-offenders and at a drop-in centre for the disadvantaged. Jim’s partner and daughter are living with him again and he is due to begin an NVQ3 in Health and Social Care so he can continue his learning journey.
“Learning has improved my life in such a way that I feel rewarded from what I have learnt. I can’t express in words what learning has done for me, but I will not stop learning,” said Jim.
