hello@futuresadvice.org
Futures
57 Maid Marian Way
Nottingham
NG1 6GE
After years of battling mental health challenges, the idea of stepping into a classroom again felt daunting—almost impossible—for Fabe Smith. But with the right support at the right time, he didn’t just return to learning. He began to believe in himself again, passed a qualification, made friends, and took the first steps toward his dream career in mental health care.
So how did he go from anxious and isolated to confident and motivated?
Fabe had been unemployed for several years, facing complex mental health conditions including anxiety, OCD, social anxiety, and paranoid schizophrenia. These challenges made the idea of learning feel overwhelming.
“I was interested in gaining my Maths qualification to help me access a nursing course at college—but I was worried about starting something new.”
Even walking into a training centre was a source of anxiety. But with encouragement from his mental health support worker and a compassionate adviser at Futures, Fabe decided to try.
From the start, Fabe received tailored, personal support from the Futures team. His careers adviser, Emma Waldron, didn’t just tell him about the Maths Functional Skills course—she accompanied him to the training centre to reduce his anxiety. Together with Jo Johns, his learning mentor, they put practical strategies in place to help him succeed.
These included:
“My tutor Liz adapted her teaching style to suit my needs, and I was made to feel comfortable, safe, and accepted throughout.”
The supportive environment allowed Fabe to focus on learning, grow his confidence, and enjoy the process.
Zana gave us the confidence to fight for the rights of our child and made us feel safe and heard. She has been invaluable to what we have achieved as a family. She has always been there for us and for that we thank her so very much. Without her being with us on this journey, we don’t know where we would have ended.
Fabe successfully completed his Level 1 Maths Functional Skills qualification and is now preparing for Level 2. He’s also planning to volunteer with St John Ambulance and in a care home to gain experience before applying for a Community Psychiatric Nursing course in 2026.
For Fabe, this was more than passing a qualification. It was the first real step toward a long-term goal of helping others with mental health challenges, just like those he’s overcome himself.
“The course was engaging and fun—I learnt a lot of different things, made friends, and never once felt judged.”
If anxiety, lack of confidence, or past setbacks have kept you from learning or working, Futures is here to help. With courses running every month, flexible support, and guaranteed job interviews, your next chapter could start here.
“I had an amazing experience and the staff are great.” – Fabe
hello@futuresadvice.org
Futures
57 Maid Marian Way
Nottingham
NG1 6GE