Discovering confidence and new opportunities

With over 20 years of professional experience in education and care, Nicola knew where to find support for others - but not for herself.

It was when she was at her lowest that Nicola found the WEA.  

“My life turned upside down in a matter of weeks which mentally and physically drained me. My future felt very uncertain and I didn’t know where to find support. I decided to approach my local job centre who put me in touch with Shaw Trust (an employment charity working in partnership with the WEA). It was from there I discovered the WEA.”  

After completing a digital skills course, Nicola quickly enrolled onto a course in confidence building. 

The course supports learners to develop skills in confidence to help maximise their independence enabling them to become the best version of themselves. 

Although hesitant at first, she enjoyed getting to know the other learners and soon felt at home with help from her tutor.  

“My tutor Patrick has a natural gift. He seems to glide through each class which stems from his care, attention and knowledge.” 

Nicola progressed quickly through the course and began helping to support other learners which didn’t go unnoticed. 

“I received an email from Patrick’s manager asking if I would like to become a volunteer on the course right here at the community hub. I felt amazing, humbled and blessed.”  

Asked if Nicola was looking forward to the future she said, “I have to put fear away and look at all the positives in life. I have a warm house, a bed and food to eat and I am grateful for that.”  

Nicola is looking forward to continuing to support learners as a volunteer with hopes to become a WEA tutor. She’d like to teach wellbeing courses to provide learners with coping strategies that will support a positive mindset.  

“Where would I be without the WEA? Coming to class brings normality into my life which can be quite chaotic at times. I feel so proud to be a part of the WEA”