Background
When James joined Impact Arts’ Making It programme, he was feeling isolated, burnt out and uncertain about his future. Although he had previously completed Impact Arts’ Create Thrive Enterprise project and worked as a self-employed photographer, he had struggled with the pressures of self-employment and was unsure what direction to take next.
James, who is autistic and experiences anxiety and depression, had also had difficult experiences with education and volunteering. He felt that he had tried everything and had lost confidence in his ability to move forward.
Progress
Through Making It, James was able to explore his creativity without the pressure he had previously associated with studying and working in the arts. Creative activities helped him reconnect with his artistic skills, while encouragement from staff supported him to recognise his strengths and build confidence.
At the beginning of the programme, James rated his employability skills as 0 out of 10. He knew he was creative but struggled to see how his skills could translate into education or employment.
“I loved the creative side of the project. It helped me tap into skills I had forgotten and allowed me to find the joy in creativity again.”
Staff worked with James to identify his challenges and develop a manageable action plan, breaking down his goals into smaller, achievable steps. This helped him feel less overwhelmed and more able to consider his options.
Future plans
As his confidence grew, James became more open to returning to education. Staff supported him to explore suitable courses, complete his college application and prepare for his interview through mock interviews. They also helped him connect with educational support and student finance teams at New College Lanarkshire, addressing his concerns about neurodiversity, mental health and funding.
James has now secured an unconditional place on the Access to Visual and Creative Arts course at New College Lanarkshire. The 18-week course will allow him to explore a variety of creative disciplines before deciding whether to progress into further specialist study.
Returning to education is a significant achievement for James, particularly given his previous experiences. With support from Impact Arts, his therapist and the college’s educational support team, he feels better prepared to manage the challenges ahead.
By the end of the programme, James had independently rated his employability skills as 8 out of 10 — a remarkable increase from his starting point of 0.
James’s experience demonstrates how creative activity, personalised support and meaningful progression planning can help people overcome barriers, rebuild confidence and take positive steps towards their future.
