"I had my son at 15 years old, he was 3-4 years old when I attended the More than Mum programme. I had very little confidence, regular panic attacks and was very much stuck in a rut of how to be a ‘normal working mum’ – I read about Kim’s programme in a Council Newsletters, it took me a good 3-4 weeks to even get the courage to ring up for further information on the course!

 

When I was attending More Than Mum, we had regular sessions on job interviews, this included how best to present ourselves, how to hold our own and most importantly realising that actually even though we are mum’s and had no previous experience, we are all trying to make it in a big pond! I think coming to terms with the fact that we are all ‘faking it until we make it’ was a massive realisation that actually I can do this – I can go for the job I want and I can prove people wrong who frowned upon me stating ‘she’s just a young mum’. Meeting different people with similar stories was amazing, I went from feeling very alone to feeling like I had an extended family! A family of support and no judgement!  

 

After I completed the More Than Mum programme, I successfully applied for a Business Administration Apprenticeship at Suffolk Highways. I have now been with Suffolk Highways coming up to 6 years! This was my first ever ‘proper job’  and I believe that if it was not for the sessions with Kim and the girls, I would not of had the confidence to even apply for the apprenticeship, let alone turn up for the interview. 

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After being with Suffolk Highways for a year, I successfully applied for a permanent role as Communications Assistant whilst continuing with my course, which I completed in 2018. In 2018, I was awarded Apprentice of the Year at the annual Highways Awards – this really was a massive shock! As I wasn’t even aware that my general manager and line manager had put me forward for the award..

I have since applied for a level 3 Business administration course, attended various events across the county including the Suffolk Show, given the opportunity to assist our winter operatives in the gritters by being a plough mate, undertaken various training sessions and have built an amazing relationship with my fellow colleagues.

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Out of work I have passed my driving test and bought my first car, taken my son on holiday 3 times and hopefully will soon be getting myself on the property ladder. I am so grateful for everything Kim and the programme has done for me – my life changed for the better and I will be forever grateful!"