Before I joined the programme, life felt very small. I was unsure of myself in every way. My confidence had been worn down for years and I didn’t feel like I belonged anywhere or had anything real to offer. On good days I could push myself, but on bad days… Read More »SC’s story
I came into the programme not really knowing what I wanted. I did not have goals. I had ideas, like maybe web design one day, something I could do by myself because I like the freedom of being self‑employed. But nothing ever moved forward. I never pursued anything because my… Read More »JK’s story
I have always been someone who keeps myself in the background. I’m shy, I don’t really like asking for help, and I’ve struggled with confidence, depression and anxiety for a long time. About twelve years ago I was put on a course, and when I asked for help I was… Read More »LR’s story
I am quite a shy person and I tend to keep myself to myself. I have only got a year left until I retire, and I haven’t worked for 38 years. I was bringing up my children, then caring for my husband, and then for my mum. So much of… Read More »LW’s story
Before I joined the programme, I had been living with anxiety and depression for about fifteen years. I could cope better than before, but I still wasn’t anywhere near “okay.” I found it hard to talk to people and even harder to feel understood. I had been doing a business… Read More »GN’s story
For years I have not felt mentally well enough to work. I could not even leave the house. I used to work in the travel industry, on cruise lines, in bars, doing jobs I was proud of, but after being made redundant and then everything that happened after, it all… Read More »GS’s story
When I first heard about the course, I told myself that I could say no if I wanted to, even though with the job centre you never really know what will happen if you refuse something. They did not force me, they just gave me a leaflet and said it… Read More »DG’s story
Before I joined the programme, everything in my life felt like it was stacking up on top of me. My mental health, my physical health, my confidence, all of it had taken a hit. I was dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD traits and menopause, and on top of that I had chronic… Read More »ES’s story
Before Before the course, I was lost, hopeless and tired in a way I could not really explain. I had been through twenty years of therapy (on and off) and still felt like nothing ever shifted. I think I just found it hard to reflect on myself. When my work coach told me to… Read More »NH’s story
Before I’d worked in electronics for years, sometimes in permanent roles, sometimes contracting because it paid better. But after lockdown in 2021, everything crashed. I lost work, then lost my home for a while, and it all spiralled. I was diagnosed with ADHD, which explained a lot, but it didn’t… Read More »SB’s story
