Jasmine Ford, 21, has been working with Bath Rugby Foundation for a year and a half. She talked to us about her experience of getting to where she is now.

Tell us about what you did before joining the team?

I was a student at Lackham College on an entry level animal care course, whilst also studying for my GCSE English and Functional Skills Maths. Once this finished the College felt due to my mental health I wouldn’t be able to complete the Level 1 course. I was anxious, didn’t like new places, couldn’t get on public transport, very emotional and aggressive. After the College said this, I was left feeling very lost, but my friend told me how he had come on the Bath Rugby Foundation course and how great it was.

What has the programme given you?

The most important thing the course gave me was confidence, looking back to my first day I am a totally different person, I stood watching and observing I was very quiet with my headphones in, watching everyone. I had never played sports before, never picked up a rugby ball, but within 3 weeks I was playing touch rugby, my now line manager Joe pulled me to one side to teach me how to throw a rugby ball.

At my 6-month review meeting with my tutor and Mum she said how she noticed how the programme had a significant impact on my behaviour, I had grown as a young person so much. My tutor asked me how I felt, I told her I think I have finally found the place that I belong.

What is your advice to young people in your past situation?

Depending on the character of the person I would say don’t give up now, just because the place you came from may have given up on you, but you can keep trying and it will all be worth it. You don’t need to give up on yourself, everyone has potential they just have to reach and find it.