Plymouth man diagnosed with common learning disability after 50 years

A Plymouth man had no idea he had dyslexia, a common learning disability, until he reached his fifties. Mark Ackrell says he just thought he "wasn't very good at reports" - and now he has completed a professional diploma.

The 52-year-old is the Corporate Health and Safety Officer at Livewell Southwest, making him responsible for legal compliance within the organisation’s buildings and making sure staff members are safe in their workplace, which includes managing the devices used by those who are lone working.

Mark said: “When I joined Livewell two and a half years ago, I had a general certificate in health and safety. The diploma is the next stage.

"In this job, I produce a lot more reports than I have done in previous roles, so I was really pleased when Livewell offered to fund my studies from the accredited qualification supplier NEBOSH. It has really increased my knowledge around the management of health and safety, covering a wide scope of subjects from fire to asbestos to lone working.

"It means I can better support people, signpost them to the right places if needed, and help them to manage risks within their teams. I did find the course difficult though.

"Two weeks after I passed the diploma, I completed another test. Only this one confirmed I was dyslexic.

"In the past, I have had much more practical, hands-on jobs. It never occurred to me that paperwork wasn’t difficult for everyone else too. To know I completed my studies without any extra additional help is amazing.”

Sue Adams, Head of Estates, Facilities, Risk and Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response said: “Mark and I had an open and honest conversation about writing reports and the extra support that is available. The help that we are putting in place for Mark means there is now more resilience in our team.

"I am so proud of Mark and what he has achieved. He is a valued member of the team and I look forward to seeing him progress at Livewell Southwest.”

Mark’s family and colleagues convinced him to go to his graduation ceremony at Warwick University in September 2024. He was awarded his diploma by Andy Shenstone, Chief Executive of NEBOSH.

“It was a good feeling to be awarded the qualification because I’ve never been one for exams. Being at the ceremony really made me realise what I had accomplished.

“I’m a shorts and T-shirt type of person outside of work, so it felt very peculiar wearing a gown. My wife and my two children were in the audience and were really proud. Sandra even admitted to having a tear in her eye.”

And Mark isn’t stopping at a diploma.

“I now have a Master’s in my sights. When I left school and was working as a lorry driver, I never would have thought I could have completed a diploma. It’s absolutely wonderful. I can’t thank Livewell enough for believing in me.”

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