Ross Weatherby
Education Coordinator – Reach Out Project, Aberdeen
I manage the WEA Reach Out project and tutors, design and implement courses that are relevant to the Reach Out learning environment, I complete reports for funders, I take part in residentials and I facilitate groups that are part of the Reach Out programme.
The learners that come to the WEA Reach Out project have many different diagnoses including mental health, are going through the criminal justice system, have substance misuse issues or have a learning difficulty. Some learners have at least a dual diagnosis. I appreciate everything they teach me. Like I said above, I have learnt so much about myself, my attitude, and what I thought I knew through working for the WEA Reach Out project. The learners bring their own life experiences, their own knowledge and their ‘get up and go’ attitude to the learning environment. I like the fact that learners help and motivate each other and I love that they like to keep in touch after they have moved on to let us know how they are doing and what they are doing.
I enjoy seeing learners change their mind set and go on, in many cases, to lead the life they deserve. I enjoy the interactions between learners and staff and I love the fact that I have learnt so much about myself during my time here. I believe totally with the idea that if you have 7 students and 1 facilitator in a group, you have 8 learners.
Contact details
WEA Scotland, 163 King Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5AE, Tel: 01224 640 811, Email: [email protected]
You can read more about the Reach Out project and their walk around Loch Ness here.