Pam's story

I was really depressed and anxious to start with. I hadn’t been on benefits for 10 years and I didn’t really want to be as I'd been self-sufficient for such a long time.

I mentioned to my Employment Support Adviser, Whitney, that my dream was to have the confidence to focus on my own photography and art business. Whitney suggested I join a Customer Service and a Confidence and Self-Esteem course with Clarion Futures.

I realised I had the skill set, but didn’t quite have the self-esteem because of my illness. By doing the course, I was able to refocus and reframe my thoughts. I also did a course on making art you love and turning what you love into a living.

Now I’m working full-time in a studio, my photography schedule is full, and I’m selling loads of my dresses. I’m also negotiating to sell a piece of art.

My life is now what I want it to be.