After living with a life changing health condition for several years I was fortunate to be given the opportunity of taking part in a 12 week drama project for adults with mental health issues. I had always had a longing to take part in amateur dramatics but always lacked the confidence, but being in a safe environment with others suffering similar health issues and lacking, confidence and self- worth enabled me to participate in activities I would have previously shied away from. The experience was not only life changing for me but for the majority of participants. I then went on to take part in another couple of 12 week projects and the confidence and life enhancing social skills I and other participants had gained empowered us to set up our own peer led charitable amateur dramatic group for adults with mental health issues and mild learning disabilities, which made a huge impact on all concerned.

Now that I have moved area and my long term health condition is sufficiently improved to enable me to return to work, I am determined to pursue a career that I am passionate about, helping others access opportunities to enhance their wellbeing and build self- confidence and self esteem, empowering them to make positive improvements to their lives and engage more easily with the wider community.

For the last several months I have been on various training courses including teaching drama, dramatherapy, film & tv production and level 3 award in education and training and am now ready to move forward with setting up a Charitable Incorporated Organisation so that I can provide projects that can be accessed by all regardless of any health, social or financial limitations. My experience as Treasurer of a community group, including applying for grants and project devising coupled with the training I have recently undertaken mean I am fully aware of what I am undertaking and I am excited and eager to get underway.