Paul Wattis
Posted : 26th November 2011
Around 1990 I became ill, I had a breakdown, I lost my job and everything changed for me at that point. I have suffered with mental illness ever since, I also put on a lot of weight and lost all confidence in myself and communicating with others. I had been told to go on courses over the years, but never did so. I will be honest - I was scared to go back into education.
I was told about Fircroft College in March 2011 by someone who had attended Fircroft before and he persuaded me to give it a try. I went on the internet to request a short course guide and it came within a couple of days. I looked through it and straight away saw the perfect course for me. I then rang the college up and told them that I was interested in going on a course, but needed help in filling out the application form. I was told someone would ring me or I could come to the college and someone would help me.
I went to the college a couple of days later, and I really was helped, more than I could have expected. I booked three courses at the time, explaining all my problems. Believe you me, at Fircroft they try to accommodate everyone and every problem.
I started my first course “Developing Personal Confidence” on 3rd of June 2011 and I have never looked back since. When I started I was worried about everything - for example, other college users or being singled out in class. I would have just liked to be invisible, and I felt extremely anxious in group situations. But I plucked up the courage and here I am today. As I say, the college staff are very helpful, and you can ask them anything at any time. It helps a great deal that you stay at the college as you get to know people more on the courses.
The rooms are great and clean, there are tea and coffee making facilities in rooms, and the meals are out of this world. The other students on courses that I have been on were great, helpful and understanding and I have got to know some of them quite well. All my fears were unfounded, the courses were great and from that instance I think I have started to get my life back.
I think I have now turned a corner, I have started to lose a bit of weight and have done five courses, with several more booked up. My confidence and interaction with others has greatly improved. I have started to look forward to the future and not hide from it, as I was doing before. I have recommended Fircroft to a lot of people whom I know, of which a few have already attended, and they have all agreed with me about Fircroft and say they feel very comfortable here, so I would recommend it to anyone.
