Cambridge Community Arts is a partner on our Community Connections South BBO project and this is how their Next Steps provision supported a participant back into employment on the project:

I had been suffering with severe depression and anxiety following some personal and work-related trauma that left me with incredibly low self-esteem and no sense of purpose.  

I had been unemployed for the best part of a year with little to no engagement in job applications or training. A combination of therapy and participation in ‘Illuminate’ (Cambridgeshire charity) confidence projects signposted me to CCA and gave me the motivation to reach out to the Next Steps team. 

When I met Christine, I was incredibly isolated because of my mental health challenges, home environment and the pandemic. Having such a warm, gentle and understanding person to introduce some regularity and structure was invaluable. We developed a good humoured relationship that helped me to feel a little bit more myself each week.  

The project helped me to explore parts of my personality and skills that I hadn’t considered for many years as well as exploring opportunities for learning that I had otherwise discounted. I was able to network with new industries via one-to-one and group meetings giving me the confidence to speak about myself and communicate with others again. With the help of Christine, I was able to identify and submit applications for projects and roles that I wouldn’t previously have been able to find.  

I’m really looking forward to starting my new role with CCA and have found a renewed sense of passion for life and championing well-being in myself and others. I have a much clearer understanding of my skill set and core beliefs, how they fit with the many roles in my life and how to best continue developing. I have also had the confidence to do a little bit of contracted creative work and start some volunteering with Cambridge University to maintain my teaching pedagogy.  

A great experience that has brought me out of a difficult place and back to myself. 

The participant sharing this case study wished to remain anonymous. 




Community Connections South and Community Connections Essex are funded by the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund