Fairhill Mum Anne Marie finds dream job

Apr 2 2008

A FAIRHILL woman who has been out of full-time work for 17 years has received an award for the efforts she made to find her dream job.

Anne Marie Toner (43) was among those honoured at South Lanarkshire Council’s second annual Celebration of Success event.

She was named as 2007-08 special achiever for her consistent effort in getting skills and experience on the Connect 2 programme, designed to help people find work.

Connect 2 offers work experience and an industry-recognised level 3 vocational qualification.

During the course, Anne Marie worked with Hamilton charities Phoenix Futures and Rough Sleepers for four days a week and learned invaluable skills which have allowed her to go into her dream career — working full-time at Lindsay House in East Kilbride helping homeless people gain an independent life.

Anne Marie said: “I am so grateful to everyone involved in the programme as they allowed me to access the field of work that I wanted to get into.

“I feel I have turned my life around and I can now offer my children a more secure life.”

Provost Russell Clearie and chair of enterprise resources committee, councillor Chris Thompson, hosted the award presentation event at the Council’s Banqueting Hall.