GETTING ON: Former drug addict Damion Maston

A FORMER drug addict who managed to turn his life around is the face of a national campaign to help adults with their reading and writing.

Damion Maston, 33, from Weymouth, is reaching out to others who have difficulties with literacy and numeracy by fronting the Government's Get On initiative.

He says people should not be scared to get help and be inspired by his own story.

"Looking back at school, all I remember about maths was that I used to go into the lesson and the book would have squared paper and I went into English and the book would have lined paper," Mr Maston said.

He left school early with no qualifications and his life spiralled out of control.

He got involved in drugs, lived on the streets in London and served time in prison. But Mr Maston managed to get clean of drugs and enrolled at Weymouth College, where he secured qualifications in English, maths, IT, food hygiene and first aid.

He said: "Every day I would say to myself 'Tomorrow I'm going to do something about it', then one day I did.

"My initial thoughts about going back to learning was that it was going to be like school, but it was really mature.

"I was treated differently and met so many people. There were lots of different clubs and activities to get involved in."

Mr Maston became an instructor in the college gym and his hard work and determination to overcome barriers to learning was recognised when he won the Weymouth College Adult Learner Award.

Lecturers said he was an inspiration to others.

Mr Maston has since moved on from the college and now works as a self-employed commercial interior fitter.

He said: "I've got my life back on track. It's amazing because it's like I've been given a second chance.

"I went off the rails when I was young, but I've rebuilt my life and things are looking good for me now."

Mr Maston appears on a new DVD and website talking about his experiences and problems with maths and English.

In doing so he is helping to reach the 14.9 million people in England who struggle with the subjects.

He said: "It's really strange to see myself on the advert, but I'm proud to be part of it.

"My advice to people who are struggling is don't be scared, just get on and do it."

Factfile

GET On is the Government campaign for adult literacy and numeracy.

In England, millions of people struggle with their maths and English skills so if you have problems you are not alone.

Taking a course is the best way to improve your skills. This can be done in the day or evening so can be fitted around work. If you don't already have GCSEs or equivalent qualifications you may be able to enrol for free.

Get On courses cover a range of different levels, from complete beginners to GCSE level. Each level offers a nationally recognised qualification.

To find the nearest course and for impartial and confidential advice contact a Get On adviser on freephone 0800 66 0800. Advisers are on hand from 8am to 10pm every day.

To order a free copy of the DVD featuring Damion Maston visit: geton.direct.gov.uk

8:03am Tuesday 22nd April 2008

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