Michelle's Story
Michelle is a Community Barista at our Arnotdale House Community Learning Hub in Falkirk. This has been written by a proud colleague, who has been fortunate enough to have been part of Michelle's journey from the beginning, it's been a privilege to see her grow and develop over the years and now able to share her story with you.
The Community Learning Hub is where we provide learning, training, and personal development opportunities to support people to build skills, improve wellbeing, and progress towards their goals. As an accredited Qualification Scotland learning centre, we deliver nationally recognised qualifications alongside practical learning experiences, volunteering opportunities, and employability support.
Michelle first became involved with Cyrenians during lockdown in 2020 when she joined one of our online Fair Start Scotland Stress and Anxiety groups. At the time, she was very shy and anxious. She was not comfortable using her camera during online sessions and preferred to communicate with staff and other participants through the chat function. Even joining an online group was a massive step for her.
When restrictions eased, Michelle was invited to take part in our Digital Learning Programme to develop her IT skills. With support and encouragement from staff, she engaged well and gradually became more comfortable participating in face to face activities and trying new opportunities.
Over the following year, Michelle took part in a range of personal development courses and successfully completed SVQs in Numeracy at Levels 3 and 4 through our Multiply programme funded by UK government.
Alongside her learning, Michelle began volunteering at our Walled Garden in Dollar Park, attending twice a week. Volunteering provided opportunities to learn practical gardening skills, meet new people, and become more involved in her local community. During this time, she also completed an SVQ Introduction to Gardening Skills Level 4. Michelle became heavily involved in the planting of the Floral Clock each summer.
As her skills and experience developed, Michelle took on more responsibilities within the garden and became a valued volunteer. She regularly supported other volunteers and helped new people settle into the environment, drawing on her own experiences when first joining Cyrenians as a service user and volunteer.
In early 2025, Michelle completed our Barista Programme and achieved her SVQ Barista Level 5 qualification. She then became one of our volunteer baristas on our coffee cart during the summer of 2025.
When a six-month paid Barista position became available in 2026, Michelle successfully applied for the role. Since taking up the post, Michelle has continued to thrive. She works alongside a team of coffee cart volunteers, embracing the responsibilities of paid employment and plays an important role in the day-to-day operation of our coffee cart based at the terrace of Arnotdale House.
Michelle's journey has been a gradual steady progression, built over several years through learning, volunteering, and taking on new challenges. With the right support and opportunities, she has gained qualifications, developed new skills, increased her independence and progressed into paid employment.
Her story demonstrates the positive impact that can be achieved when people are given time, encouragement and opportunities to develop.
Michelle has progressed from service user, to learner, to volunteer and ultimately to a valued member of the Cyrenians team. She now provides encouragement to others who may be taking their own first steps, helping to create a supportive and welcoming environment for future learners and volunteers.