DCG Success Stories

Taking a crafting course at Derby College Group’s Ilkeston College wasn’t just a creative outlet for adult learner Kathryn Bird – it has given her back her confidence and self-esteem. 

Kathryn, a former florist, joined the six week introductory crafting course after poor health saw her go from being an active, sociable person who worked full-time to someone who was stuck at home all day.  

She said: “I decided to do the short course as a way of getting back out into the community; Ilkeston College was near home and it offered me a creative outlet.  

“I’m usually quite stoic but poor physical and mental health can get anyone down. 

“I loved my six weeks at college so much that I decided to do the Level 1 Award in Creative Craft: Crafting and Upcycling. I’m now volunteering on that course and doing the level 2.” 

Kathryn enjoys supporting the staff and level 1 students, but she’s not putting herself under any pressure to create the perfect piece.  

She also likes that Ilkeston College isn’t a large busy, bustling college, but a quieter one which caters well for adult learners. 

She said: “Although I enjoyed projects like the multimedia one we did last year, for me crafting is about playing with things, trying new things and making things.  

“I want to keep learning but that doesn’t mean perfecting everything. Putting yourself under pressure takes away the fun.  

“It’s been therapeutic using my designs and creations to express what I’ve been through with my illness.”  

Kathryn also likes that Ilkeston College isn’t a large busy, bustling college, but a quieter one which caters well for adult learners. 

She added: “Being a volunteer at Ilkeston is great. It gives me something to look forward to every week and I definitely want to continue doing that after I’ve finished my course. 

“We have about 16 in a class, with ages ranging from late teens to retirement age but most of the students are women.  

“We’re all interested in upcycling with students often bringing materials in from home. We’d love to see more guys join us.  

“Making the first step is the bravest step but once you’ve done that, you’ve broken the ice.”