“I started working with Belfast Works Connect East Belfast in September 2023. My reason for joining is that I wanted to get into training that also provided childcare and I needed some extra support due to my past trauma and addiction issues. I was assigned a navigator and we discussed what courses would benefit me going forward.
I completed OCNs in Personal Development, Setting and Achieving Goals and Creative Writing. This was just the start of my journey. I gained so much confidence in myself that I went on to do a qualification in Managing Challenging Behaviour in Children and Young People with Belfast Met and also acquired my Safe-guarding training with Volunteer Now. I then started to think about volunteering and was appointed an amazing, organised and supportive Volunteer Navigator. She helped me with the process of getting into volunteering and really helped me shape my career goals for the future. I am now volunteering regularly with SOS Bus NI which has massively helped my social anxiety. I have gained confidence and valuable experience.
I will also start volunteering with Women’s Aid in September and plan to do my Level 2 in Counselling in the future to help me achieve my goal of working with the homeless and addiction community. I cannot thank East Belfast Works Connect and East Belfast Mission enough for all the support they have provided me with. I am now a confident, empowered young woman who has the insight and determination to help others that have been in my position”.
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