Annual Awards for Achievement 2008

Roger Sterba Achievement Against Adversity Award

Runner Up - Ian McGhee

Ian McGhee from Merseyside, has been chosen as runner-up for an Achievement Award from national employment charity Tomorrow's People.

The Tomorrow's People Annual Awards for Achievement pay tribute to people who have overcome significant barriers in their quest to get into work. Ian attended the awards ceremony at Plaisterers' Hall, London on Wednesday 12th November. He has been selected as runner-up in the category 'Award for Personal Achievement (25+) which recognises individuals who have overcome personal difficulties to get into employment, education or training.

Ian had spent six years with the Royal Artillery, and another 12 as a Jointers Mate. He lost his job ten years ago after problems in his personal life.

Having worked hard to overcome his problems, Ian was referred to Tomorrow's People in Birkenhead with the aim of increasing his confidence to help him find sustainable employment. Ian was determined to explore any avenue of help that would alleviate his problems and help him return to paid work.

Ian enjoyed interacting with his peers and the Tomorrow's People staff at the Centre, his life experience and excellent listening skills signalled to his Employment Adviser his potential for Support or Counselling work. After hearing talks from Progress to Work, an organisation set up to offer advice and assistance to individuals with drink, drug or housing issues, he felt that with sufficient training he too could help people who were experiencing similar things to himself.

After a successful work placement with Wirral Partnership Homes, Ian now has a position as a Site Management Officer. Wirral Partnership Homes is a not for profit organisation and the largest housing association in the Wirral borough. Ian's Manager Maureen Davies commented that "Ian has embraced all the challenges with dedication and enthusiasm; he has many ideas of how to improve the quality of life for his residents and has been keen to get them involved in making a difference to their environment."

Ian has also completed his training in Counselling and accessed additional training with the Citizens Advice Bureau as a part-time adviser.