Episode 3

Natalie is starting to find her rhythm at college. The nerves are still there, but she’s getting into it, learning about human lifespan development and focusing on autism awareness, teenage mental health and the importance of looking after yourself when you work in care.

Technology is still not her strong point. She has to rope in her teenage daughter, Eliza, to help get her college apps set up on her phone. It’s a small thing, but with coursework building and deadlines starting to land, Natalie begins to feel the pressure of juggling it all - and it makes her think differently about how much she expects from Eliza at home.
In class, the conversation turns to the pressures young people face, especially online. One of the students, Elliot, shares his experience of being targeted by trolls.

At home, Natalie checks in with Eliza properly. They spend time together, talking about school and social media, and what it feels like growing up with it all constantly there. Natalie opens up too, sharing a moment from her own teenage years when a newspaper used an unkind headline about her with a holiday photo. It’s something that’s stayed with her, and it leads to a wider conversation about pressure, judgement and resilience.

Natalie also begins to realise that she’s been putting off her own coursework. When she finally sits down to start it, she understands more clearly the same pressures she’s been seeing in Eliza, and how easy it is to feel overwhelmed.

Alongside Natalie’s journey, we also see inspiring care work in Northern Ireland at ASpace2 Factory Floor and Restaurant, where young people with severe learning disabilities are being supported and trained for work in the service industry. It’s a practical and empowering project led by ex-LD nurse Tina.

Back in college, a guest lecturer from an autism family support charity, SPACE, leads an important class on autism awareness. Chris’s session is eye-opening for Natalie and gets the whole class thinking about the care sector and perceptions. Chris invites Natalie to join in with a SPACE workshop for children and parents at a local allotment. Being there gives her a wider understanding of the day-to-day challenges families face as they advocate for their children and navigate support systems.
By the end of the week, Natalie is still learning, still adjusting, but feeling more confident. She’s seeing the care sector in a broader way - the people, the pressure and the many different roles that hold it all together.