'I will always have ways to connect with others - no matter what happens' - Wolverhampton adult learning student honoured with award
An adult learner who overcame life-changing hearing loss to learn a vital communication skill has won a major award.
Adult Education Wolverhampton student Tim Jackson was named the winner of the Skills for Life Achievement Award at the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Adult Learning Awards 2025.
Hosted in Birmingham on Tuesday, the awards celebrated the transformative power of adult learning and recognised the commitment of students, educators, and organisations across the West Midlands, with Mr Jackson being one of six students nominated by Adult Education Wolverhampton this year.
His journey into learning British Sign Language (BSL) began after experiencing two life-changing episodes of Sudden Sensory Neural Hearing Loss, which left him profoundly hard of hearing.
Rather than wait for his hearing to potentially deteriorate further, he said he made the proactive choice to embrace BSL as a vital communication tool and a way to stay connected and independent.
The 72-year-old from Wightwick, said: “Learning BSL has been truly life-changing. It’s not just about communication, it’s about confidence, community and navigating my new reality with resilience and optimism.
"While hearing aids help, my ability to understand speech depends on background noise, proximity, and familiarity with voices.
"Although doctors say a third episode of Sudden Sensory Neural Hearing Loss is unlikely, I preferred to be proactive rather than reactive.
"Learning BSL now, while I still have some hearing, will allow me to adapt more easily if my hearing declines further, an insurance option for maintaining my independence and communication.
"Learning BSL has also enabled me to engage more fully with the Deaf community and ensured I will always have a way to connect with others, no matter what happens."
Tim’s teacher and nominator, Ruth Langard, said: “I find Tim truly inspiring, not just because of his age, but because he proves that it is never too late to embrace learning and growth.
"While many of my students are younger and tend to pick up the language quickly, he never lets that discourage him. Instead, he remains steadfast, committed, and eager to learn.
"His perseverance extends beyond the classroom as he actively immerses himself in the Deaf community, attending BSL cafés and Deaf pubs, forging meaningful friendships along the way.”
Councillor Chris Burden, Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: "The WMCA Adult Learning Awards highlight the essential role of adult education in tackling skills gaps and promoting inclusion.
"Tim is a brilliant example of this as he has embraced a new chapter in his life, filled with purpose, adaptability, and compassion.
"His story is a powerful reminder that lifelong learning knows no age limit and that perseverance, with the support of Adult Education Wolverhampton, can transform challenge into opportunity."
