I was so scared, but everyone made me feel very welcome.

Every time I join a new group one of my parents will drive me there and stay in the car park for a little while in case I need to dash out. It means that there is someone to support me in case I am not sure about something or I need a little push to get in.

I also know that it’s going to be useful and because of the first course I did I knew the next one would be great. Keeping it in mind that its going to be useful to me makes it easier to go in. - JM

Before joining you worry about how you will appear, ‘first impressions count’ but once you have made that first impression people realise, they’re not that bad. You start with filling in a form which is a bit URGHHH but after you filled it in I would say don’t worry, you can make new friends and at the end you feel sad because you are leaving everyone but you get offered a new course and some of your friends return. Give it a go you will be surprised. - JH

… On my first day I was so nervous, because I didn’t have any friends. I didn’t know anyone who was going. And it just so happened that it was this other girl’s first day, and we both instantly connected. And that “snap” connection is something I’ll never forget. Such a close bond from just being two people who just don’t know anyone else there. (And we were completely different, like, I live in a town area, and she lives in quite isolated countryside, like a farmhouse, and she lives near a farm and has a big dog. She’s really used to going outside and getting muddy, I’m more used to walking down the street going to Tesco.) But it’s so nice that two people who are completely separate, and live two different ways, can just connect over the fact that they’re doing a new thing, and they don’t know anyone else there.

Thinking about starting a course is a mix of nerves and excitement. As much as it is scary there is always someone there to click with, who makes you feel comfortable. Online you can always leave your camera off and not talk. - AS

I come to improve my confidence and meet new people and learn new things, because all of that will help in my later life. People should come because there is support and people don't judge your opinions.

Courses have helped me learn to adapt and make friends with people. It can be terrifying. As I start a new group I have to make eye contact with people I don't know but I’ve done lots of courses now and it’s worth it. For me it’s easier online because you can pretend other people aren’t there.