A north-east mother has urged other carers not to get “stuck in a rut” after taking advantage of a free training scheme.
Lorraine Donald was struggling to find work she could fit around looking after her seven-year-old son, who has sensory processing disorder (SPD).
But an Aberdeenshire Council-funded social work course helped the Turriff mum secure the qualification needed for a part-time childcare job.
She is among 18 unpaid carers who have taken the SVQ Level 2 course – which involves one or two hours’ study every week at home for up to a year.
Specifically designed for carers, support is provided by an assessor and Mrs Donald, who also has a 14-year-old daughter, said: “As a carer, you seem to get stuck in a rut and hide away at times.
“Doing my SVQ gave me confidence to push myself further, and do something just for me.
“After completing the course, I applied for a part-time job working with children with additional needs.
Now I am able to work and still care for my son.
“When I got my certificate through, I was beaming with pride. My children were proud of me as they knew how hard I had worked.”
Anyone who is interested and would like more information or to apply to be on the course should contact Sandra Baxter, Vocational Assessor (SVQ) on 01466 794 272 or email sandra.baxter@aberdeenshire.gov.uk