Finding My Place: Grace’s Story

I never thought I’d be sitting here, writing about where I am today. For so long, I believed this kind of life—working, feeling confident, being accepted—just wasn’t meant for someone like me.

School was brutal. The bullying got so severe that eventually, I had to be separated from my peers entirely. I learned in isolation, completely cut off from everyone else. When I left school, I was determined not to let that define me. I went to college, hopeful for a fresh start, but the same patterns followed me there. Bad experiences seemed to find me wherever I went. Still, I didn’t let it stop me.

I tried work next. I really tried. But then I experienced an assault that left me with PTSD. That could have been the end of it—maybe it should have been—but something in me refused to give up. I engaged with a welfare-to-work provider and threw myself into courses: health and safety, customer service, IT, English. I kept pushing forward, even when I didn’t know where I was going.

Then 2022 came, and everything changed. That was the year I had my daughter, Scarlett. She’s absolutely everything to me. My partner and I are together, but I still live at home with my mum—it’s where we need to be right now. But 2022 was also the year I lost my beloved dad. He died suddenly, and it shattered me. He was my best friend. My family had always been my secure place and losing him felt like losing my anchor.

I didn’t have time to grieve properly. I had a baby to care for, nappies to change, sleepless nights to survive. But somewhere in that fog of new motherhood and overwhelming grief, I made a decision: I wanted to make my dad proud.

This year, I saw a post on Facebook for a placement at ICT doing admin. I didn’t hesitate—I applied straight away. And honestly? I have loved every single minute of it. Everyone has been so helpful and supportive. I haven’t been afraid to ask questions, which is huge for me. I felt accepted for who I am, maybe for the first time in my life.

I’ve always suffered from anxiety. It’s been my constant companion for years. But not once—not once—have I felt that familiar anxiety coming into this placement. It has genuinely changed my life. I am so, so grateful. I never thought I’d be accepted for me, but I was welcomed without judgment.

David was a legend. He taught me so many skills—employability stuff like how to write a CV and a cover letter. I passed everything I learned on to my boyfriend, and he’s actually started work now using my advice. How incredible is that?

And then—I got a job. A real job, with a housing organisation – my dream. I was nervous at the interview, I won’t lie, but I used everything I’d learned at ICT. I actually did it.

I’ve been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, autism, ADHD, and PTSD. For years, I genuinely thought I’d be on benefits all my life. I’d accepted that as my reality. But now? Now I can live without that constant worry hanging over me. I have a future I never dared to imagine.

I wish everyone could experience what I’ve experienced—to be accepted for who they are, exactly as they are. I feel confident now. I feel empowered. I know I’m different, and I can’t change that. But I’ve learned that I don’t need to. Before, I’d be scared to leave the house. Now? Not anymore.

I hope—I really hope—I’ve done my dad proud.