Wythenshawe learner scoops national Achievement Award » Housing » 24dash.com

A woman from the Benchill Estate in Wythenshawe who has used technology to help turn her life around has won a national Award for her determination and progression.

Ann Quigley, 50, picked up one of just six Outstanding Achievement Awards at the UK online centres Awards in London earlier this week. The Award recognises people who have overcome difficulties and used computers and the internet to make real changes to their lives.

Before attending the Benchill Community UK online centre, Ann was caring full-time for her mother for some years before she died. Ann was left not only grieving but rather lost, and the Benchill Community Centre proved to be the anchor she needed.

Ann explains: When Mum died it hit me hard I just didn't know what to do. I'd spent a good few years caring for her and the stress had taken its toll on my health. I have asthma and all sorts of other conditions, so going back to my old job as a machinist was impossible. I left school at 15, so I never even thought about starting to try and learn something new. I wasn't interested in computers or the internet but when my sister asked me to go with her to the Benchill Community UK online centre for moral support I thought, why not?

After just a few sessions, the UK online centre quickly recognised Anns talent for IT and helping others and invited her to help out as a volunteer. Ann said: When I first went to the centre I had no confidence, but thanks to the help I received from the staff I was soon doing things that Id never considered possible. I started off with a few courses and then managed to do my European Computer Driving Licence qualification its really given me a boost, and I was so grateful that I decided I wanted to give something back.

As well as volunteering at the centre and helping others to get to grips with ICT, Ann now sits on the centres management committee, marks and invigilates exams, and is a driving force behind many community events and activities.

Commenting on her Award, Ann said: I'm over the moon! It just makes me realise how far I've come along. If I hadnt come into the Benchill Community UK online centre that day, Id just be sitting at home vegetating. I've learnt so much and made so many friends, and actually I've found somewhere I really belong and where I can really make a difference. I'm very proud of what I've achieved and I'd like to say thank you to everyone at the centre, because without them, I really wouldn't be where I am today.

Ann was singled out by the judges from hundreds of nominations for her hard work and her dedication to help others. She received her Award from GMTVs Andrea McLean, and the new Minister for Digital Inclusion Paul Murphy MP.

Speaking at the Ceremony, Paul Murphy MP said: Computers and the internet can open up whole new worlds, and getting the skills and support to use them at places like UK online centres really can change lives for the better. Ann is a perfect example, and its a combination of her new skills and sheer determination that have helped her forge a path to success.

Andrea added: We dont say well done enough to people who overcome personal barriers to accomplish extraordinary things in their lives. Anns journey really is an inspiration to others, and I was delighted to be there to share her day, and privileged to be the person handing over an Award to mark her achievements.

If you want to follow in Anns footsteps and find out how technology could help, you get in touch with Benchill Community Centre by calling 0161 945 0879. Alternatively you can find your nearest centre by calling 0800 77 1234.