Bertram

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"I was very happy and chuffed that Linda asked me to be a volunteer and help others. At first I was a bit hesitant because I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know how to volunteer! I’d never done anything like this before. So, they suggested I come down each day for a little bit to see how it works and I did! Now I’ve been doing it for nearly two years and I love it. I’ve fitted in with everybody, and it’s really brought me out of my shell. It helps me to be more like I used to be - more outgoing and talking to people. Doing this volunteering has brought me out of myself, and made me more active."

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Bertram suffered a breakdown 10 years ago. "During my breakdown period I didn’t go out the house much. I was paranoid and anxious and the people close to me were very worried." Bertram’s advisor at the Jobcentre suggested going to FAST. At first he struggled to communicate at all and could not type an email or use Facebook. But over time he made some friends and got certificates. Learn My Way suited him because he could learn what he wanted to learn and go at his own pace. He was asked to become a Digital Champion. Bertram is now working full-time elsewhere and other people tell him he is back to his old self.