In September 2016 I went through life changing personal circumstances, I was unemployed, I had to sell my home and move back in with my parents and my life was to say the least, a little all over the place. This situation left me completely broken. I decided to start volunteering in domestic abuse in the summer of 2017, which I continued to do for the next 4 years, it was something I was highly passionate about, my support was helping others but deep down I knew that eventually I wanted to move on to something different, I just wasn’t sure what. Then in August 2019 I received an e-mail from a lady that I was volunteering alongside, I had mentioned a few times that I would like to progress into counselling as helping and supporting others is a big passion of mine. In the e-mail was a link to a ‘route way to support work’ course. Included within this course was a level 2 Counselling Skills qualification, as well as level 1 courses such as mental health, stress awareness, alcohol misuse, substance abuse and others related to support work. I thought this would be a brilliant opportunity for me, especially being at a crossroads in my life so I decided to apply straight away.

I went into employment links in Rochdale as they were the organisation who had arranged the course, I undertook a few exams on the computer to make sure the course was the right level for me, but I still didn’t really have any idea of what to expect once I started the actual course, I was quite nervous and apprehensive, but come September when I entered the classroom for the introduction session of the course I was not only greeted by some of the nicest people on the course but also by a very supportive tutor who clearly had a lot of knowledge within the subject and a passion for teaching. Over the next 8 weeks we attended the classes 3 days a week, the course was delivered so well and the tutor ensured that we all completely understood the content and its relevance to the subject, I think he believed in most of us more than we believed in ourselves. Over the course of the 6 weeks, I not only gained so much knowledge and understanding, but I also gained a passion for Counselling and psychology and started to realise my own potential, which had a massive impact on my confidence and self esteem.

When the course finished in December I not only walked away with 7 new qualifications but I walked away with 13 new friends and the feeling of a new beginning in both my personal life and career. I started looking at level 3 courses in counselling and psychology. Then in January 2020 I was offered the chance to shadow my former tutor John with the prospect of tutoring. John told his managers about how well I was doing and they agreed to support me through a level 4 Education and Training course. Throughout January to March I was shadowing John, learning new skills and knowledge, I had the opportunity to deliver parts of the sessions under johns supervision and then the country was hit by the Covid 19 Pandemic, this meant that all face to face learning was cancelled. During the lockdown I continued to complete the written work for my level 4 Teaching and Education as well as my Level 3 in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Although this was difficult especially as I was not able to continue with the practical elements of the Teaching and education course I was still fully supported by everyone at eduk8. Since the easing of the lockdown and being able to go back to face to face teaching I have managed to complete my Level 4 Education and Training qualification and I have also been offered a tutoring role within eduk8. This is not only a massive opportunity for me but also an exciting and brand new beginning for me and my family. The support that I have received from everyone at eduk8 has been overwhelming. I have not only been supported throughout my qualification and been given the opportunity to tutor alongside a great team but I have also been welcomed into a company that are supportive, friendly and who make you feel like part of the team right from the first hello.

I was so nervous to start the ‘Route way to support work’ course back in September 2019, but attending that course has changed my life so much, not only did I receive nothing but professionalism and support from the very first day, but I have changed as a person, throughout being a learner within one of eduk8’s courses to now becoming a tutor, I have grown so much, I have learnt new skills and knowledge that I never even considered and I have seen my passion for tutoring and learning grow. My hope now is that I can go on to support and make a difference in other people’s lives they way that mine changed. I am so grateful for everything that all at eduk8 have done and continue to do to support me, but more so for welcoming me they way they have, I am truly grateful for everything. My hope is that one day everyone at eduk8 will realise just how much their encouragement, belief and support has changed my life.