Filling in an application for Uni
 

I'm applying to do a course at a college (a foundation degree) in Counselling Skills which lasts for 2 years at the college and then a final year at Uni to top it up to a full degree.

I never did A - levels because I got really depressed and I decided it was best to move on from school. I went to do an apprenticeship with a local hospital but I also have a mild form of Cerebral Palsy and the people running the course didn't like me so I left. That course was a work based learning course and I did general observation and helped out with clinics in a diabetes centre. I haven't put this down as Education though as I didn't want them to ask for a reference from them.

I've used a teacher from my school as a reference.

I'm just wondering what to put in the 'Supporting information' section.

I was thinking mention something about my own experience with depression and being slightly different (the cerebral palsy)

Mention hobbies and interests

What would you usually put in the supporting information for a college course in Counselling when you have suffered with Mental Health problems yourself?

thanks,
Sarah

In my personal statement I mentioned being a supporter on a mental health website. And you don't have to be a supporter on RYL to support others... Maybe mention that your personal experiences with depression has helped you to support others in their recovery or something... OK, I don't know, but its an idea!

I wish you all the best with your application though :)
xo

this is how i started my personal statement, on applying for bussinesss and marketing degree
Having Bipolar-disorder could be seen by some has a disability but having learned to live with and mange this condition, has given me a lot of valuable life skills, some more hard learned than others. Which in the business world of today, being able to adapt and evolve in the management of highs and lows reflected by the current economic changes happening in the international commerce I believe will serve me well. ...

hope thats some help.

Is this your 'personal statement' or is it separate.

If it is separate than have you had any jobs if so what did you learn from them. I.e ability to listen, work in a team, cope with pressure.

Do you ever volunteer - if so what do you get from it.

You have had experiences of mental illness but do you have any friends or family with problems.

i've done it it says:

(it's supporting information)

I have Cerebral Palsy and I went through school feeling different and I feel that this has put me in a better position to empathise with others. I am a motivated individual, I have completed a basic skills course in Counselling which I thoroughly enjoyed whilst working full time in customer service. I am in the process of looking at volunteering for Childline or samaritans because I would like to help others.
In the future I am interested in working with Counselling whilst developing my sklls as I don't think you can ever stop learning, developing and growing with it.
I am also interested in horse riding, enjoying skiing holidays; reading and writing.

Thats not exactly how it's written but something similar.

Sarah.