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From social anxiety to self-employment

29 Jul 2026
A dog being washed with a close up on it's soapy face. His eyes are closed and his tongue is out.

Connected Parents supports parents or guardians in Glenrothes to develop skills and build a better future. 

Harriet kindly shared her experience of the programme.

“Before I was introduced to Connected Parents, I never imagined I’d be able to run my own business. My social anxiety was so severe that even speaking to new people felt overwhelming, and I struggled to believe in myself."

"Connected Parents gave me the opportunity to train as a dog groomer while supporting me every step of the way. They didn’t just help me gain practical skills - they paid me throughout my training, believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself, and gave me the emotional support and encouragement I needed to keep going."

"Today, I have my own dog grooming business, something I never thought I’d be capable of. The confidence I’ve gained has changed so much more than my career. I can now speak to clients, build relationships, and run my business in a way that once felt impossible. While I still have anxious moments, I’m no longer held back by them like I used to be. Even after completing the programme and becoming self-employed, they’ve continued to check in and support me, which shows how much they genuinely care about the people they help. I’ll always be grateful for everything Connected Parents has done for me. They didn’t just help me find a career - they helped me believe in myself and build a future I can be proud of”.

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