Michelle’s Story

On Tuesday 28^th April 2015 I entered the AMH New Horizons building in Downpatrick feeling very stressed, anxious, frightened and unsure.  I had a fear of strangers and felt no-one liked me which is why I spent so many years in hiding.  As a result of this I wasn’t the wife, mother, sister or daughter and auntie I should have been.

During my time at New Horizons I learnt to lower my guard gradually.  It wasn’t hard because the staff were all so friendly and knowledgeable.  They worked with people like me daily, and had no intentions on giving up on me, which made me feel that I could not give up no matter how hard it got for me.  Persistence and the goal to be the new person my family and I could be proud of and able to live with, kept me focused.

I took part in a number of classes such as healthy living, confidence building, stress management, etc.  I updated myself on computer skills, interview techniques and topped it all off with a NVQ in Customer Service Skills with AMH’s help.

Now for the icing on the cake!!  I am now working in one of the busiest shops in Downpatrick and I am face to face with customers of all ages and from all walks of life.  It is challenging but I enjoy every minute of it.

All that is left for me to say is thank-you one and all with all my heart.

Michelle took part in the “Working it Out” project which is part-funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020 and the Department for the Economy.