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I wanted a brighter future for myself and my child

One Family’s New Futures programme is an accredited labour market and education activation programme which supports, encourages and enables lone parents to take advantage of training and development opportunities, while balancing their roles as a parent. One Family’s New Futures programme was shortlisted for an AONTAS STAR Award in 2018 for their work in promoting social inclusion. In our latest blog adult learner Stephanie shares her experience of the programme.

Stephanie, New Futures Programme, One Family

I’m a lone parent and I recently graduated from One Family’s New Futures programme. I want to share my story because it changed my life.

I wanted a brighter future for myself and my child

Before I began New Futures, I had worked part-time on and off since becoming a lone parent. I signed up for the programme uncertain what I would gain from it, but clear that I had nothing to lose. 

I knew that I wanted a brighter future for myself and my child and to be financially independent – but I also knew that I desperately needed guidance on how to achieve those goals.

We looked at our self-esteem, confidence and beliefs

First, my New Futures group taught me to accept that I was a lone parent and that this was OK. I realised that I hadn’t fully acknowledged the reality of my situation up until then. Then, we looked at our self-esteem, confidence and beliefs, all of which helped me to get a greater understanding of myself. My coach Helen helped me to explore my values which was ground breaking for me as I realised how important they are to me.

We were asked to imagine our dream career

I looked at a whole range of career options including starting my own business and returning to education. But, something clicked for me when we were asked to imagine our dream career – the one we would choose for ourselves if we had no restrictions. I immediately chose dance, thinking that’s what I’d do if I could turn the clock back to being 18, before I became a mum.

Suddenly, with the support of One Family, all the barriers that restricted me from following my dream simply fell away. Mental barriers, practical barriers and financial barriers all disappeared. I began my full time degree course in dance last September. I am coming to the end of my first year and cannot believe how my life has turned around. Full time dance training can be challenging as it’s a very high-energy course combined with academic work. I have to be very organised and sometimes it can be exhausting along with parenting alone.

I am working towards a career I am passionate about

I am working towards a career I am passionate about and one which gives me enormous satisfaction. I am grateful for the opportunity New Futures gave me. It helped to guide me into my very own new future.

Read more stories from the New Futures Programme here