Learning for Better Health Award Winner

Nominated by: Addysg Oedolion Cymru | Adult Learning Wales
Sponsored by: The Open University in Wales | Addysg Oedolion Cymru | Adult Learning Wales

Rachel Parker was born into a chaotic home life with alcoholic parents and little support at the time for her development and schooling. After being taken into care, she left school at a young age and found her escape in drugs and alcohol. After years of addiction, Rachel is now clean, and on her way to achieving her dream of becoming a counsellor.

She explains: “Drugs and alcohol took me out of my reality, but it was stunting my growth and limiting my potential.” Rachel became a young mother at 18 after giving birth to her daughter Holly who was born blind and had other severe disabilities. It was difficult for her to provide the level of care Holly needed while she was in active addiction. After losing custody of Holly, Rachel’s life spiralled, with her addiction taking over.

Despite her addiction, Rachel had dreams of a career where she could help others. She looked up to her substance misuse counsellors: “Throughout my treatment I would often think to myself, if I could stay clean, perhaps I could do their job one day.”

Rachel noticed that people found her approachable and would regularly go to her with their problems, which she always made time to listen to. “Sadly, I was in no position to train to become a counsellor while living in active addiction.” She explained.

Years later, once Rachel was able to get herself clean and remain sober, she was able to start thinking about training and turning her life around. She remembers: “It wasn’t until I began to realise that my lifestyle was killing me, that I begged my counsellor for help to get me into rehabilitation. Thankfully, she secured the funding, and I believe she saved my life.”

In 2017, she began training with Addysg Oedolion Cymru | Adult Learning Wales., Nicola Holmes, nominated Rachel for the award said: “Rachel’s story is one of determination, dedication, and personal growth. She’s had many setbacks during her journey, and at times had days when she doubted herself. Yet I have never met someone so determined to make a change, not only for their own future but for all those who need support just like she did all those years ago.”

Now, nine years sober, Rachel has been a qualified counsellor for a year, having completed over 100 hours of counselling to pass her diploma. “Qualifying felt surreal, I was ecstatic and so proud of myself.” says Rachel.

She works regularly at the Narcotics Anonymous helpline, saying “I want to counsel people because I want to give back, I don’t want to be a nuisance to society.”

Rachel’s faith has kept her strong throughout the many losses she’s endured, including the death of her daughter Holly two years after she became sober.

She has progressed through her Level 2 and 3 diplomas, studying for a Level 4 diploma has been placed on hold while she takes time to deal with her health conditions. She remains a strong advocate for adult learning, saying, “You’ve got to go for it and give yourself that opportunity. You’re going to meet new people, make new friends, and learn a lot about yourself and the world around you.”