The goalie fighting to save dreams

There can’t be many young people whose daily educational experience includes encountering a bona fide national hero. But for those at the Canolfan yr Afon Pupil Referral Unit, in Ebbw Vale, that’s been the case for the last four years as they’ve been ably assisted by former Everton football icon Neville Southall MBE. Not that the record cap holder – he played 92 times between the sticks for the Welsh national football team – cares if his reputation precedes him. His sole vocation these days is to play at least some part in helping these complex-needs youngsters live a life that can give them their own rewards, a sense of self-worth and personal success. Neville’s disregard for his own huge reputation from his goalkeeping days is conveyed with a sincerity that matches his passionate commitment to UNISON – especially in his role as an international officer and his desire for the union movement to lead a restructuring of Britain. “I have no time for egos, full stop, in any organisation,” he explains. And that’s especially so with organisations that can work together to give kids the help, time and attention that they desperately need. “I honestly believe there are problems with the school system as early as the primary years,” he says. “I believe the system is broken. “However, I’m convinced that if key organisations link-up to get to the heart of the matter – say UNISON, other unions, the police, the NHS, businesses, local authorities...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Magazine cymru/wales education services unison in schools Source Type: news