Anonymous Story

As a lone parent teenage mother struggling to survive on benefits on a run down Council estate, it was such a challenge to make ends meet and avoid the life of crime on my estate, in order to buy food, clothes and nappies for my child.

Having been through an abused and neglected childhood my self, I longed for a better life for my own child. I always knew I wanted to make a difference for children and young people who had suffered the way I had. However, I was fearful of being judged and negatively labelled and also had very little belief in myself.

I attended a course with Women and Work many years ago, which supported me to pursue my ambitions and provided a crèche for my child. The course helped to build my confidence and self-esteem and I began to develop some self-worth. I realised I was not alone and that many other women were in similar situations, also wanting to follow their dreams, but too just needed a little guidance, support and belief in themselves.

The most rewarding experience of all was when Mary Hopkins (an angel in disguise!) spent considerable time supporting and guiding me in how best to put my experience and knowledge into words on my Social Work training application form. If it wasn't for her motivation, kind words and extreme patience, I would not be where I am today.

After this first hurdle, there was no stopping me! Having a thirst for knowledge, I studied numerous times at university achieving Diploma's, Degree's, Master's and much more, not to include the development of my sense of self-worth that I had so badly needed.

I am now a successful Social Work Manager who makes a real difference in the lives of children, young people and their families guiding a team of staff to provide a lifeline of support to those in need. My own child has also successfully achieved at university and is now embarking on a highly successful professional career.

For anyone out there who questions the worth of those at Women and Work, they are an invaluable resource to all women who have just a glimmer of becoming something more, of achieving something great and of believing in themselves!

Thank you!