Be the 'Against all Odds'

Breaking barriers and inspiring others to follow in her footsteps, Robyn has made Blackburne House history as the first ever student to be offered a master’s degree straight from her Access to HE course. Her journey is one of determination, resilience, and self-belief — from navigating the challenges of everyday life and neurodivergence, to discovering her true potential through education. In this interview, she reflects on how Blackburne House became the turning point that transformed her life and set her on the path to becoming an Integrated Practitioner in Child Nursing and Social Work.

What was your life like before Blackburne House?

Chaotic… I was just sort of plodding along, I had a basic job, getting the kids to school, mum life, nothing exciting really going on. I strived for something more, but I didn’t know what.

What made you get back into education?

I needed something else. There were no promotions available in the job that I was in, I was at the top of where I was. There were no managerial level jobs available to help me further my career, and I felt like I had more to offer.  I’m well-seasoned in life experiences for my age, and I think what I’ve been through, what I’ve dealt with, and what I’ve seen, left me with a burning passion to transform my life. It changed everything, and I just thought, ‘okay, no one else is going to do it for me, I’ll have to do it myself.’

Why did you choose to study at Blackburne House?

I’m neurodivergent – I have ADHD. It’s always been a problem in my life. I was very late to be diagnosed, at age 28. I’m now 31. It put a real strain on friendships, relationships with my family and colleagues, and anything where I had to communicate with people. I’d be overwhelmed and overstimulated. Once I was diagnosed, it confirmed that there was something different about my thought processes and how I deal with emotions. This was previously the main cause of most issues that happened in my life. Coming to Blackburne House was different from other colleges I had tried. It’s not mainstream, and I found that I wasn’t overwhelmed, I wasn’t overstimulated, and the support I received was unbelievable. The girls I was on the course with were all equal – we’d all been through issues in life, and it was great to be able to share experiences with them and find ways to grow together.

What did you study and how did you find returning to education?

I studied Access to HE Healthcare and I have actually started that course twice in two different colleges – and never got past the first half term! When I got on to the course at Blackburne House, I went home and said to my Nan, ‘I’m still not ready’ and she said ‘you are!’ I remember getting to Christmas break, which is usually my tipping point for leaving courses, and my tutor Gemma encouraged me to come back after the break. After that, everything changed. It was great.

Why did you choose Access to HE?

I had a gap in my qualifications. I have qualifications bouncing from one extreme to the other – I’m a fully qualified personal trainer, I’ve done beauty therapies – but this course was relevant to what I wanted in my career. As a child I wanted to be a nurse, and with things that have happened in my life, I didn’t think that would ever be possible. My Nan was a social worker for Liverpool City Council for 30 years, and so I’ve always been interested in that area through childhood and beyond. I’ve seen what not only the children went through but also what my nan went through as a social worker – the stress, the trials, the tribulations, the moving around departments, having huge caseloads – but it just becomes a different kind of passion. It’s like a fire that burns, and it burns more and more, and you strive for more knowledge to help you help others. My interest particularly is in child exploitation and child protection. Growing up on a council estate, I’ve seen the situations that can happen involving children and what can happen when children are led down the wrong path. I think it’s nice for these families to find someone relatable who has lived experience of what they are going through. I think my background will help me to find ways to improve children’s lives and to make them feel safe.

How did you find your experience at Blackburne House?

I loved it, it was great. I don’t think I’ve ever had the amount of support that I did while I was at Blackburne House and not just from my tutors Jane and Gemma, but from all the staff – Louise was a familiar face for me from previous courses I did, Gill on Reception gave me pep talks in the morning. My class supported each other, and I made some amazing friends. The support from Blackburne House, you don’t get anywhere else! People here are so friendly, and it’s nice moving through the corridors and up and down the stairs because everyone is so welcoming and warm. It’s a good environment to be in. I miss it!

What would you say to other women thinking of going back into education?

Do it. No-one's going to do it for you. Forget what everyone else thinks – be the ‘against all odds’. Be that person. Be the right to the wrong, and don’t believe anyone who says you won’t do well or you aren’t capable.

What have you done with your qualifications?

I am now officially fully enrolled at Edge Hill University for an Integrated Practitioner Masters Degree in Child Nursing and Social Work – words that I never, ever thought I’d say.

What are your aspirations for the future?

The NHS and social system are recognising my degree and have brought out jobs at Alder Hey for Integrated Practitioners. Hopefully, by the time my 4 years of education are complete, the career path will be more varied and will be recognised across the trust. This will help me realise my dream of helping children in difficult situations and empowering families across Liverpool.

For more more information about the impact of Blackburne House on women's education in the Liverpool City Region, check out our performance and impact page.