Sybil Coleman

Sybil Coleman's dedication to learning paid dividends when in 2006, she was involved in an accident that left her with severe leg injuries. After completing no less than 15 ICT courses in 6 years, including Desktop publishing, Technique Levels 1-4, internet and email and Powerpoint, 80 year old Sybil turned to the slow martial art of Tai Chi to help her recover from her injuries.

After exhausting the syllabus, Sybil then went about setting up her own arts and crafts group called 'Crafty Friends' at The ARC community outreach project in Swansea. The group provides a vital role as a social intergenerational group that meets once a week to teach younger members the basics of craft, such as Knitting, sewing and crochet.

Crafty Friends has seen Sybil 'embark on the adventure of encouraging youngsters in their learning. The homespun hobbies of craft work and engaging with delightful children has proved to me that I am still on my learning journey. Added to this two sessions of a slow movement form of Tai-Chi  keep me fit both physically and mentally.'

Sybil's learning has inspired and motivated others to get involved, encouraging friends to join in and helping them to recover from bereavement. The youth in her Crafty Friends class also have great respect for Sybil. 'She is polite and encouraging,' says Sybil's nominator Debbie Jones, of the BPP Development Trust ' Some of the youth have challenging behavior but she has love, patience and time for them all.' For Sybil, her motto is the same as The ARC's 'It's never too late to learn'.