Leanne says "it's all thanks to ODEF"

A real success story, Leanne Evangelou is buzzing with excitement about her new jobs and academic success. Leanne first came to ODEF to help her find employment, but during an advice session with Lynda, revealed that she had always struggled with reading and writing and suspected that she had dyslexia. Through ODEF, Leanne was advised to contact the Dyslexia Institute in Nottingham, who confirmed what she had previously thought. She got her eyes tested and was provided with dyslexia equipment to help her read.

As she was interested in youth work, Carol gave her advice on volunteering in that field, and Lindsay arranged for her to attend a skatepark meeting as an example of youth work. As a consequence of that meeting, the leader was so impressed with her that she was invited to interview to for a position as a part-time youth worker and was successful. Leanne also wanted a full-time day job and after receiving help from Lindsay to produce a CV, fill in her application form and gain confidence with her interview skills, she was chosen out of 30 applicants for a position within the prison service. At the same time she worked with Lynda on improving her skills and has just passed her Level 1 National Test in literacy. In addition, for someone that acknowledged that she always "hated reading" - Leanne says that she has now joined the library and is looking forward to reading her first novel. About ODEF she says that "although it's been hard work, it's been the first time I've ever had one-to-one support...ODEF has been like a guardian angel for me". Congratulations Leanne!

Click here to return to the news page