AN INSPIRATIONAL single mum who had her first child at 15 is now studying for a degree 20 years after leaving school - thanks to an Inverclyde recovery charity.

Chelsea Clark, says a placement at the Moving On project changed her life and has helped her take the first steps towards a career in social work.

Chelsea, from Branchton, who has three children, was a stay-at-home mum until two years ago when she went back to college.

She said: "I was studying for an HNC in health and social care at West College Scotland.

"I got a placement at Moving On, and within a few weeks they offered me a part-time job.

"I'm now doing a degree in social services at the University of the West of Scotland, I originally wanted to go into nursing, but now I want to work in the addiction field and criminal justice.

"I love working at Moving On and the work they do. Everybody is so helpful here, given me advice and helping with assessments.

"We're just a small team. We are so close and everyone has been so supportive. I wouldn't have been able to go to to go to university without them."

Moving On offers a three-step programme to service users including one-to-one and group sessions and follow-up support once the programme is completed.

Other services include counselling for trauma and mental health issues and CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) for families who are concerned about loved ones to encourage them to get help.

Chelsea fell pregnant at 15, so while her friends were finishing their education she was bring up her son Callum - who's now 18 years old.

She said: "I never thought I would be going to university back then. Not even a few years ago.

"I never even finished my GCSEs. When I was 16 I was bringing up a baby.

"Back then there weren't many teenage mums. All my friends stayed on to fifth and sixth year while I left fourth year with nothing.

"My focus has always been my children. Now I feel this is my time, and I'm hoping to build a better life for them as well."

Chelsea works as a digital lifeline co-ordinator with Moving On, distributing laptops, tablets, and mobile phones along with sim cards and data to clients.

She said: "I also do some assessments with people to find out what support they need.

 "There are some quite sad stories. You just don't realise what people are going through."

Chelsea said it was quite daunting starting university, the first week was overwhelming, "walking into a class of 50 with my body warmer inside out".

She added: "I'm now in my fifth week and I've settled in a bit.

"I've a friend who did the HNC from last year, so we support each other, I'm never stuck."

Chelsea, who also has a daughter, Sophia, aged 13, and a second son, 10-year-old Jack, also gets a lot of support from her family, especially her mum Kay.

"It's hard going," she said.

"I'm out Monday to Friday and I don't get back until 6pm. But my family are really good at making my tea. Mum makes a big pot of soup every week."

Chelsea was also thrilled to get the class prize in her HNC course, which she says gave her a great boost.

"I feel it's given me more confidence," she added.

"I was always at home with the kids, I didn't have any people skills."

Chelsea says that the team at Moving On have been so supportive and kept her on with hours to work round her university degree.

She said: "I love it here. That's why I want to work in addiction. Seeing the work they do in here is amazing.

"You see people walking in here one day, and six months later, they walk out like a different person.

"Living in this area, there is so much deprivation and so many people struggling with addiction.

"There's nothing for kids, nothing for anybody. But I can see that they are making a big difference to people's lives.

"It really helps people. And when you see these changes, it really makes you feel good."

Asked if she has any advice to potential mature students who want to go back to education but feel it's too hard, she said: "It's never too late. "I have done something for myself and I am so proud."

Chelsea also thanked Moving On service manager Bev Thow who has been her mentor and friend.

For more information on Moving On and the services they provide, visit www.movingoninverclyde.co.uk or call 01475 735200.