18 February 2010
STV has today launched its revealing new series, It’s Never Too Late, starting on Thursday 18 February at 7.30pm.
Presented by well-known broadcaster and journalist Tam Cowan and sponsored by The Big Plus, the new series brings together six Scots with literacy or numeracy difficulties, and sets them on a journey of learning and discovery.
Viewers will follow the ups and downs of the participants as they attempt to overcome the literacy and numeracy issues that impact on their everyday lives, with guidance and support from a range of professionals.
Determined to make positive changes to their work and home lives, each of the participants - Garry, Amanda, Colin, Ryan, Kevin and Vi - take on a task designed to challenge their individual difficulties, such as writing a short story, timing and preparing a family meal, reading mail and dealing with paperwork.
Over six inspiring episodes, Tam follows their progress as they tackle their issues head on to change their lives forever, before bringing the group back together in the final episode to reflect on their journeys.
The participants are:
- Garry Gamble (49) from Knightswood wants to improve his poor reading and writing skills so that he can read to his two young daughters and help with their homework.
- Amanda Blair (30) from Holytown has problems with numbers. She lives in fear of being caught out and the thought of being asked to add up numbers fills her with fear. Turning 30 has made her determined to take control of the situation.
- Colin McCarthy (45) from Aberdeen struggles with reading and writing, and keeps to himself at work to stop anyone from finding out. Having lost out on many job opportunities in his career, he wants to improve his literacy skills once and for all.
- Ryan Crawford (24) from East Kilbride was diagnosed with dyslexia in high school. He doesn't want to depend on his family anymore, and wishes he could read bedtime stories to his little sister.
- Kevin Macleod (28) from Airdrie wants to improve his writing and spelling skills to improve his career opportunities, and to be able to help his young daughter with her school work in the future.
- Vi Donnelly (52) from Cumbernauld struggles with everyday tasks like taking down phone numbers or adding up in the supermarket. Being a widow she has nobody to help with numbers at home, and she is now determined to improve things for herself.
Presenter Tam Cowan said: “I’m thrilled to present this inspirational new series for STV, which is quite a different project for me. I think this programme has been a truly rewarding experience for everyone involved, and hopefully one that will reach out to viewers and encourage them to tackle their own issues”.