Before I started the course, I knew what I wanted but I did not know how to get there. I wanted to be working, ideally in a nursery, and I wanted to resit my Maths and English. I had done nursery work experience before and liked it, but anxiety stopped… Read More »MT’s story
School was hard for me. I struggled a lot with anxiety and negative thoughts, and by Year 9 I had already been to the GP about it. I worried all the time and stopped going into school for a while. When I had support, things were better, but when that… Read More »OM’s story
Before I joined the programme, most of my difficulties around work came down to confidence and motivation. I was looking for jobs and trying to build a portfolio, but applying felt hard. I’d even turned down a job because it involved an in‑person interview. I can get anxious in groups… Read More »LG’s story
Before I started the programme, I was really scared of everything. Going online felt scary, but going out in person felt even harder. I left college before because I didn’t like it and my social anxiety was too much. Most days I struggled with motivation. Sometimes I found it hard… Read More »DW’s story
Before the course, I was struggling just to exist day to day. My anxiety and depression felt heavy and constant, even though I was on medication. I had been signed off sick from my job and was about to hand in my notice because I kept panicking in front of… Read More »EH’s story
Before the course, my life felt quiet and complicated at the same time. I have always loved English, especially literature, and I used to enjoy creative writing, but I had lost my concentration and motivation. I did something at college before, more like preparation than a real course, and I… Read More »RP’s story
Before starting the course, I’d just finished university but wasn’t able to work because of my health. I live with POTS and EDS, so standing and being active can make my heart rate spike. I don’t go outside much and I get anxious in groups. Phone calls are especially hard unless I know exactly… Read More »MW’s story
Before the course, my life felt very small. I was lonely and struggling with my mental health. I have twins who aren’t living with me and that pain sits with me every day. I’d had problems with alcohol and cocaine in the past, but when I joined the programme I… Read More »NS’s story
Before joining the programme I was feeling pretty lost. My anxiety had been getting in the way of everything, from job applications to basic tasks I knew needed doing. I had been diagnosed with GAD and was trying different kinds of support, including online CBT. I knew I worried a lot, and I avoided things even when… Read More »JM’s story
I’ve always found it hard to speak up in groups. Anxiety has been a big part of my life, and I don’t really talk to many people outside my family or the friends I know online. When I went to college, I froze every time I had to speak to anyone, and after a while… Read More »ED’s story
