I first engaged with Access to Industry as I was looking for a job for months, but nothing positive came up. I had two interviews, but neither of them were successful. When I contacted Access to Industry, I was looking for help to find a job.

In addition, I was hoping for support with my self-employed business. I also had some personal creative projects that I was working on – I was about to finish writing my first novel. And I was raising a child alone. I was doing so many things and felt that none of them was being done sufficiently well.

I was doing so many things and felt that none of them was being done sufficiently well.

- Maimouna

My caseworker helped me to prioritise and organise my projects. Instead of seeing them separately, I understood they were complementary. We started by identifying my potential, strengths, and what I wanted to do in my career. Doing this made me feel more confident. And the Creative Writing and Access Photography courses that I studied with Access to Industry helped my creativity, wellbeing, and English levels.

I now have a regular self-employed business. In the future I wish for my self-employed business to grow. I also wish to publish my novel and continue exploring my creative side by pursuing further photography training. I’m grateful to Access Industry and my caseworker for the support I have received.