A MUM who "didn't attend school much" because of bullying has been recognised for her dedication after returning to studying. 

Bethan Humphreys, 40, was bullied at school for being overweight. She grew a dislike for school and left without a GCSE in Maths.

Bethan, who has struggled with depression and anxiety since she was 16 years old, courageously decided to return to school as an adult. The school kitchen assistant, of Llanrwst, took classes in Maths and English and gained her entry three qualifications. She then secured her Essential Skills for Work and Life Certificate.

Bethan is now undertaking an NVQ to become a classroom assistant and her commitment to learning has earned her an award in the Essential Skills for Life category at the national Inspire! Awards.

Bethan said: "I didn’t like school and I left without a GCSE in Maths. I really didn’t want to be there because I was bullied a lot.”

Bethan is one of 13 winners to be recognised at the 2022 Inspire! Awards. Co-ordinated by the Learning and Work Institute with support from the Welsh Government.

The Inspire! Awards recognise those who have demonstrated a commitment to never stop learning. Each Inspire! winner demonstrates how learning can offer second chances, build confidence and help communities to become vibrant and successful.

In addition to being bullied, Bethan has faced other challenges in her life; her daughter was born with a hyperplastic thumb and in 2020, her home was flooded. She also experienced a severe anxiety attack and took three-months off work but she was determined to stay on track with her studies. 

Bethan said: “My daughter had to have her thumb amputated when she was two and then had further surgery when she was six.

“[With the flooding] we woke up to discover two feet of water in the house. My husband managed to save my coursework and my tutor, Sharon, dried and ironed it. I was desperate to save my college work.

"We moved to a hotel for a few nights and then moved into a house for another six months.

“My husband helped with the homeschooling when Covid hit as he was out of work for a while after lockdown was announced," Bethan added. 

"He’s always been really supportive. I managed to fit the studying in around the children. I’d get my books out after they’d gone to bed but we’d also all sit down at the kitchen table – my daughter with her homework, me and my son with our college work.

"Parts of it have been difficult but my tutor has been amazing and explains things really well.

“When I was in high school, I was in the lower set and didn’t feel I could ever be good at maths, but with Sharon’s support and encouragement I have been able to build my confidence. I’m now aiming to do a Maths GCSE.”

Sharon Shaw, Skills for Life Lecturer at Coleg Llandrillo, nominated Bethan.

“She has been taking on more responsibilities at school, she supports children on a one-to-one basis who need a little help in catching up after the pandemic and she also listens to children read," Sharon said. 

"Her dream is to become a teaching assistant.

“Bethan’s drive and enthusiasm for her college work is remarkable. I can see that she works hard in the evenings when she has put her daughter to bed and she regularly asks for extra work.

“Sadly, Bethan’s home was one of those affected when the floods hit Llanrwst. I was blown away by the emphasis she had placed on saving her college work and truly recognised Bethan’s commitment on gaining her qualification. I’m thrilled that she has been honoured by this Inspire Award; she deserves it.”

The Inspire! Awards are part of Adult Learners’ Week, which this year takes place from 17-23 October. In-person taster courses and online sessions will run throughout October and during Adult Learners’ Week, with advice and information available locally to inspire people across Wales to keep learning throughout their lives – from gaining formal qualifications or learning at work to joining online sessions at home or learning something new for fun.

Jeremy Miles, Minister for Education and Welsh Language, said: “Congratulations to the Inspire! Award winners and nominees. Each and every one has demonstrated incredible commitment to learning and overcome significant personal challenges to get to where they are today. The Inspire! Awards remind us that it’s never too late to learn something new, and that learning can pave the way for second chances – to start a new journey, to gain recognised qualifications, or to discover a new passion. The dedication of our Inspire! Award winners to never stop learning sets an example for us all, and their stories deserve to be shared and celebrated.”

David Hagendyk, Director for Wales at Learning and Work Institute, said: “Every year, as we celebrate the Inspire! Awards, we’re reminded of the true value of learning throughout our lives. It isn’t just about qualifications and certificates – learning has the power to boost confidence and mental wellbeing, to arm you with the skills you need to find a new job, to feel confident to support your children and grandchildren at school or to help you feel part of a community.

“A huge well done to all of this year’s winners. Their commitment to learning is not only incredibly inspiring, but it has also helped to change their lives for the better. In sharing their stories, we hope we can inspire others to give it a go and try something new this Adult Learners’ Week.”

To find out what’s going on during Adult Learners’ Week and what support is available when it comes to learning, telephone Working Wales on 0800 028 4844 or search www.workingwales.gov.wales