FOR many people reading and writing are skills they take for granted.

 

But for nearly 13,000 people in Glasgow extra help is needed to boost their competence with literacy.

Surviving breast cancer was the catalyst for adult learner Helen Campbell to head back to the classroom.

Undiagnosed dyslexia made primary school torture for Helen with secondary school only a little bit better.

Helen remembers one incident at school were she was saved not by the bell but by a football.

She said: "I remember it so clearly though I must have been about seven. The teacher announced we would be reading aloud and I was absolutely terrified - terrified.

"I said in my head, 'Please God let something happen so I don't have to do this'. Well, someone must have been listening because the next thing a football came flying through the window and hit him on the head."

At 15 Helen began working in a biscuit factory and took support from her colleagues any time forms had to be filled in.

She added: "I explained to my bosses that I really struggled with reading and writing and they were great but I still felt physically sick any time we had training or there were forms to fill in.

"You could see the others who were good with writing progress and move on while people like me never went anywhere."

In 2002 Helen joined a local literacy class but full time work got in the way and studying fell by the wayside.

However, a few years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer and took early retirement, deciding this would be her chance to flourish.

The 58-year-old rejoined a Glasgow's Learning class and says being able to read and write fluently has had a huge impact on her life.

Helen, from Sandybraes, added: "I used to read decorating magazines but now I can't go to sleep at night without reading a chapter or two of a book.

"I've joined a computing class and I'm looking to join an art class.

"After coming through the breast cancer I thought that this should be my time now. I'd tell anyone who has trouble with reading or writing to take that first step too.

"It's life changing."

Helen is now part of a group of adult learners who are taking part in Glasgow's Aye Write! literary festival.

Next Friday they will take over the Mitchell Library with an exhibition of their writing - and they will be performing their work to a crowd of more than 400 people.

Norman Cockburn will be performing his piece, about giving more respect to the elderly, on stage.

Like Helen, Norman left school without a full grasp of reading and writing. His employer, GHA, give him time off work to attend Glasgow's Learning classes.

The 48-year-old said: "I'm quite nervous, it's a bit daunting, but I really believe in what I'm talking about so I'm doing this for the elderly people I work with and that's giving me courage.

"Going along to a literacy class was a big step but everyone in the group is really supportive and you learn from each other."

Currently there are 12,892 adult learners in the city being supported by Glasgow's Learning, a partnership between different groups, including Glasgow Life, that gives adult literacy support to anyone over the age of 16.

This can range from learning the basics to brushing up on skills when life situations change - such as a new job or a child starting school.

Every year learners are chosen to take the bold step of performing their short stories, essays, songs or poetry in front of an Aye Write! audience.

This year playwright and director John Binnie held workshops for those involved and Jim Carruth, Glasgow's poet laureate, will be opening the literacy event.

Maria-Elena Heather, learning officer, added: "This is always a really popular event and we now have so many learners keen to take part that we have had to restrict numbers to first time performers only.

"Writers are often quite new to literacy classes and they really benefit from the supportive environment and the buzz around taking part in the festival.

"It's a brave thing to do but really gives them confidence in their work."