Stephen first connected with Transform Lives Company (TLC) in 2021 after hearing about one of our online events. He signed up and met Sharon, one of our TLC coaches, who introduced him to our Workology programme and our Friday social gathering, Friyay!.
He felt genuinely valued and listened to - something that had been missing for a while. Though he’d been out of work for a few years, Workology wasn’t just about employment; it was about rediscovering yourself. At that point, Stephen didn’t have a clear plan, but he knew TLC was helping rebuild his confidence.
Later that year, Stephen found a job - but it wasn’t the right fit, and the experience knocked him back.
In 2024, he returned to TLC, knowing he’d find the right support. He joined our Lifeology wellbeing sessions, and that became a turning point. Through Lifeology, he gained fresh insight and started finding his direction again.
Stephen also took part in 1:1 coaching sessions with Bev. They explored career and volunteering options together, but nothing quite stuck - until they landed on Stephen’s passion for guitars. They talked about the idea of him teaching others to play, and Bev introduced the idea of pursuing a Level 3 teaching qualification.
Naturally, Stephen had doubts - he wasn’t sure if he could manage the workload. But together, they talked through worst-case and best-case scenarios. That mindset shift helped Stephen realise he was in control and could reach his goal.
And he did. Stephen completed his qualification and is now equipped to offer guitar lessons. But that’s not the end of the story. Inspired by his learning journey, he’s now set to start a CELTA course to teach ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages).
In Stephen’s Own Words
What have you learned through TLC?
“I’ve realised how the way I used to think was holding me back. I’ve developed more insight, more confidence, and I’m much kinder to myself. I wasn’t sure I could complete the course - but I did. I even started journaling in a TLC notebook, which helped me reflect and track my growth.”
What was the turning point?
“Volunteering at the library showed me what I could do, I knew I didn’t want to go backward. TLC’s encouragement was everything. They helped me create a plan when I didn’t have one.”
What would you say to someone thinking about joining TLC?
“Do it. TLC helped me talk things through, meet people, and find practical solutions to worries I’d kept to myself. They believed in me before I could. That made all the difference - and truly helped transform my life.”
TLC Says...
We’re so proud of Stephen. It’s been a privilege to walk alongside him on this journey. This is why we do what we do - seeing someone reconnect with their confidence and go after their goals.
Stephen once said he didn’t think he had what it took to finish the course, but he knew we believed he did. And sometimes, that little nudge is all you need. The rest was all him.
We can’t wait to see what Stephen does next. He’s got big dreams, and we’ve got no doubt he’ll reach them. Keep in touch, Stephen. We’ll be cheering from the sidelines.