Qualifications and other forms of learning have always seemed to offer the possibility of a passport out of difficult circumstances. They are what I have done when I have felt stuck and was looking to prepare for some kind of new future.

Educational establishments have also been a place to where I have found safety. A place to get away from the cares and tribulations of life and mix with people.  Gaining qualifications in an educational establishment has been a major coping strategy in my life.

This is why I have amassed quite so many. There are so many subjects that I can get into a conversation with someone and say I did this as part of that course and that as part of that course so I have some knowledge of that situation or scenario. Maybe that is linked to the idea that it is finding the right knowledge or the correct understanding of a situation that will finally set someone free from the issues that bind them.

There are so many that they have been spread out over a number of pages.

IT qualifications

Teaching qualifications

Certificates linked to counselling or mental distress

Training associated with church activities

General academic qualifications