For single mum Claire, the dream of making a career change and starting her own business was being held back as a result of having two jobs, running a household and countless other daily challenges. "Due to covid I lost one of my jobs, then I was furloughed from another," she recalls. "Then through some tragic circumstances in my personal life, it made me realise life really was too short and I was ready to take the plunge and change the pathway in my life. It was then I found out about Future Bright."

Claire was matched with a Future Bright Career Coach, Ramona, and together they started to make a plan. Claire had previously worked as a hairdresser and felt that she would like to get back into this line of work, either as employed or self-employed. Ramona linked her up with Cool Ventures (an organisation which offers funded support to small business support) and Claire completed their 'Starting in Business' webinar which helped her think through whether self-employment would be the right option.

Claire had noticed that there was a growing demand for nail technicians and felt that this would be a good way to secure a steady income. She researched and applied for a local course, with Ramona helping her to secure the funding needed to pay for it.

Claire passed the course with flying colours and is currently applying for nail technician roles. She is also making plans to run her own business alongside a part-time job and has made all the arrangements necessary to run this from her own home.

"I was in a pretty dark place when I contacted Ramona from Future Bright," recalls Claire. "I had been through some very difficult times and couldn't see a way forward, but slowly and surely I started to see some light at the end of the tunnel. I am so extremely grateful for all the time, patience, understanding and persistence which has kept me going and looking forward to bettering myself.

"My change of job is going to have a great impact on mine and my family's life and very much looking forward to pursuing my career. It hasn't gone without its challenges at times but have had great support from family, friends and Ramona."

Is Future Bright for me?

Future Bright offers FREE one-to-one career coaching to residents:

·   In Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire

·   Aged 18 and over

·   In paid work (including zero hours and self-employed) and receiving benefits or tax credits

·   OR in paid work and earning below £9.90 an hour

What will I get?

·   Support: Work with your personal career coach one-to-one

·   Advice: Practical help to take control of your work and pay

·   Skills: Access to training and development tailored to your needs

How do I sign up?

Go to www.futurebright.org.uk and fill in the online form or call 01225 395555 for a chat with the team.

Future Bright is funded and managed by the West of England Combined Authority and delivered by Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire Councils.