My journey into adult learning began in September 2022, shortly after giving birth to my youngest daughter. At the time, I was a single mum of three children under three, living with my parents after leaving an abusive relationship. I was in the depths of depression, overwhelmed, and uncertain about how I would ever improve my situation.
Previously, I had trained in accounting straight after school, but due to mental health struggles, I left and went into childcare training. However, after having children of my own, I found it increasingly difficult to justify working with other people’s children while navigating my own family’s needs.
It was through a friend’s referral that I came into contact with Ballybeen Women’s Centre, and from that moment, everything began to change.
She referred me to a programme for mothers struggling with Perinatal Mental Health. The courses—ranging from mindfulness, resilience training, and anxiety management, to Heal Your Life and healthy relationships—were a turning point for me. Not only did they support my mental health, but they also allowed me space to rediscover myself.
For the first time in a long time, I had two hours to myself while my daughters were safe in the creche. I started to remember who I was away from being a mum. I found strength, identity, and hope. I was learning that I was capable of more and that I could improve my situation, not just for my children, but for me.
Since then, I’ve completed a wide range of learning opportunities, including:
- Discover You (OCN Level 2) – Focused on good mental health, wellbeing, and resilience
- GOALS Programme – Helped me identify future aspirations and practical steps to reach them
- Maternal Advocacy and Support (OCN Level 3) – Explored perinatal mental health, the role of peer support, and campaigning
- Mental Health First Aid Training
- Introduction to Counselling (OCN Level 2)
- OCN Level 2 in Counselling – With plans to begin Level 3 this September
- Peer Support (OCN Level 3) with The Parent Rooms
These qualifications didn’t just improve my knowledge; they restored my confidence, self-esteem, and sense of purpose. I discovered a deep passion for women’s mental health, and now I feel empowered to support others in the same way I was supported.
Personally, my mental health has significantly improved. I feel stronger, more confident, and better equipped to navigate challenges as a single parent. I’ve discovered joy and a passion for helping others.
For my family, the benefits have been profound. My children now have a more resilient, emotionally present mum. I’ve learned how to advocate for them—through speech delays, allergies, potty training, and beyond. My parents have seen the transformation too—my mum even joined me on a mindfulness course. We’ve also begun learning how to support my dad, who has Alzheimer’s, using the tools I’ve acquired.
For my community, I now give back as a Group Leader for the MAS Project, supporting women facing perinatal mental ill health through peer support. I’ve also found a strong interest in campaigning—advocating for better resources for women and children. I even spoke at the Women’s Parliament in Stormont in March 2025, highlighting the importance of continuity of care for mothers.
None of this would have been possible without the continued support of Ballybeen Women’s Centre.
From the childcare team, who’ve not only cared for my girls but celebrated every little milestone with me, to the SENCO, who’s been instrumental in helping me seek assessments and support for my eldest daughter; they have been there every step of the way. As a single mother, that support system has meant everything.
The staff always offer a listening ear, a kind word, and genuine encouragement. For my daughters, it’s been a safe, nurturing space. For me, it’s been life-changing.
There have been challenges—self-doubt, emotional triggers, personality clashes, and the constant juggle of motherhood and education—but the positives far outweigh the struggles.
I am proud of what I’ve accomplished, and deeply grateful to the friend who first referred me back in 2022. Thanks to adult education and the unwavering support of Ballybeen Women’s Centre, I have reclaimed my life, rediscovered my identity, and am now building a future not just for my children; but for myself, as the woman I always hoped I could become.
