H’s story

When H joined National Star in Hereford, she had a clear ambition for the future. Keen to work with children, she was ready to take the first steps towards employment while developing the skills she needed to live more independently. 

Now, after three years on the Work Outcomes and Personal Development pathway, H has grown into a confident young woman who is preparing for the next chapter of her life. 

‘H is a thoughtful, hardworking and dedicated student,’ says Reuben Schramm, National Star in Hereford Curriculum and College Manager. ‘She’s motivated to do well and always gives everything a go, even when she’s outside of her comfort zone. She has a great sense of humour and is a very caring person.’ 

Throughout her time at National Star, H has embraced every opportunity to build new skills and gain valuable workplace experience. She has completed a variety of work placements, including a baby sensory group, a café, an intergenerational community playgroup, National Star’s charity shop and Saint Michael’s Hospice’s eBay store, where she packed and sorted donations. Each placement helped her explore different career opportunities while developing the confidence and transferable skills employers value. 

Today, H is also a Forest School assistant, taking on increasing responsibility and leading activities herself. 

H explains: ‘I help set Forest School sessions up and I run some lessons too. At Easter, I ran a session where we went on an Easter walk, picked flowers and decorated eggs.’ 

Alongside work experience, H has developed the practical life skills that will help her achieve greater independence after college. 

Occupational Therapist Lilly Murphy has supported H over the past two years, helping her build the confidence to travel independently, manage her finances and solve everyday challenges. 

‘We’ve been going out into the real world and practising bus journeys, including changing buses and planning routes,’ says Lilly. ‘H has been using technology to support her independence, from finding bus timetables to using Street View to help her recognise where she needs to get off. Her problem-solving skills have developed so much that she’s now doing almost all of it herself.’ 

Lilly has also worked with H on budgeting, using mock payslips, online food shopping and practical money management to prepare her for independent adult life. 

‘To see how much she’s grown is incredible,’ Lilly says. ‘I’m really confident that H is going to get herself a job after college and continue to develop those skills.’ 

Reflecting on her own journey, H recognises just how much she has achieved. 

‘Over these three years, it’s been about becoming more independent, talking to people and learning how I can grow to get what I want in the future,’ she says. ‘They’ve helped me with my maths and English and with everything.’ 

H’s determination has also led to achievements beyond the classroom. She completed her Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and travelled to London to receive her award. 

‘It was amazing,’ H says. ‘To go there, see the history and the gardens at Buckingham Palace was really special.’ 

She has also campaigned successfully for changes to Hereford’s Disability Bus Pass scheme, helping to secure longer operating hours so more people can travel independently to early morning work placements. H was also selected to visit the House of Commons, where she spoke to MPs about life after college for young people with disabilities, sharing her experiences, the barriers she has faced and her ambitions for the future. 

‘H has achieved a huge amount during her time at National Star,’ says Reuben. ‘She has worked hard, embraced opportunities and developed into a confident young woman who is well prepared for the next stage of her life.’