Zoe Smith

After a difficult start to life Zoe Smith found herself living in a homeless shelter when she was just 16 years old.  Determined to turn her life around, Zoe applied to Coleg Meirion Dwyfor for a placement on a Health and Social Care course.

Zoe secured her placement in January 2009, with Treherne, a company that provides innovative care and support for people with enduring mental health problems, learning disabilities and mental disorders.  Zoe's determination to turn her life around saw her complete the training whilst living in the hostel and earning an allowance of only £50 a week, with which she had to buy food, pay rent, rates and cover her travel expenses.

Zoe's nominator, Steven Adams, says that 'The individuals Zoe works with are very challenging and can sometimes become violent, and it takes a strong character with real drive to succeed and be able to work with people under such difficult circumstances.'

For Zoe, life is finally looking up. 'Through the course I will achieve Key Skills in maths and communication, a technical certificate in Health and Social Car, and a NVQ level 2 in Health and Social Care. These qualifications can give me that stepping stone to greater opportunities and a better life for me and my baby boy, who is due at the end of March.  I have found it very difficult at times being on an income of just £50 a week, but I know that doing the course has given me a real aim in my life and a chance to show my true potential. '