A young woman has been given guidance and support to take her love of psychology to the next level thanks to help from a Youth Worker with the European project, Cam Nesa.

Erin Clarke from Narberth has been successful in gaining a place with University of Wales Trinity Saint David in the BSC Applied Psychology degree through the clearing route.

Erin was referred to the Cam Nesa project, which helps young people who are not in education, employment or training into work, at the start of September.

Tristy McDermott, a Senior Youth Worker with Cam Nesa, met Erin and discussed her current situation and what she would like to achieve.

It was established that Erin was very passionate with learning about how the mind works and in particular with children.

After discussing lots of employment options and qualifications it was decided to apply for university through clearing.

The Youth Worker intervention helped Erin to raise her own aspirations and overcome self-doubt, lack of confidence and feelings which were making her feel stuck.

This meeting gave her the empowerment to apply for further education.

Erin, aged 24, had very minimal qualifications and had been out of education since the age of 15.

The pair applied for the Psychology degree, where UWTSD were very keen to interview Erin and offer her a position on the degree.

The demand on getting everything ready for Erin to start within a tight timescale had caused some anxiety and uncertainty.

However, Erin and Tristy worked together and got everything ready for her to enrol on the Saturday.

On Monday September 21, Erin stepped onto Carmarthen campus and Tristy was there to meet her to ensure everything was ok, and to get her familiar with the campus.

Erin is now officially a full time student at University of Wales Trinity Saint David, thanks to the support and guidance from Cam Nesa.

Erin said: “I had always been interested in studying Psychology but never had the confidence or knowledge on where to start.

“I was referred to Tristy and she helped me with everything and made the whole process as stress free as possible, even meeting me at the campus as I was so nervous.

“Thank you so much for pointing me in the right direction, and for helping me to believe in myself”.

Tristy added: “This is why I love doing my job. It’s been a pleasure to have worked with Erin and I know she will really benefit massively from doing this degree.”

Cam Nesa is a £5.7million project supported by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government which works with 16 to 24 years old in West Wales by providing them with a range of tailored personal support and work-related opportunities.

The project is led by Pembrokeshire County Council and delivered in partnership with fellow local authorities.

For more details on Cam Nesa, please phone Tristy or Jo on: 07919 564625/ 07827 553878.