Kerry Stevens, our Founding Director and former teenage mum, recently shared her heartfelt experience at a 32-year reunion with her former job coach and mentor, Joyce.
“In a heartwarming twist, I recently reunited with someone who had a massive impact on my life 32 years ago: my former job coach, mentor and role model, Joyce. At just 16, I was a young mum facing what felt like endless obstacles—limited opportunities, a lot of uncertainty, and an overwhelming fear of what the future might hold. I had few options, but then I found my way into the Preston Young Adult Training (PYAT) programme through Preston College. It wasn’t just any programme; it was a lifeline. Through it, I gained a college qualification, a work placement, nursery support for my son, and a future!
At a time when I felt small and unworthy, Joyce saw potential in me. She showed me that I mattered, and that my life and future were worth investing in. She didn’t just guide me through the programme; she gave me a sense of hope and self-belief that I’d never experienced before. It was like someone had switched on a light in a very dark room, allowing me to see a future I hadn’t believed was possible.
So, when I received an email from Joyce 32 years later, I was stunned. Joyce had stumbled across my dedication to her on the Beanstalk website—Our Why, a story that details how the PYAT programme inspired me to start Beanstalk. Seeing her name in my inbox was surreal. I’d thought about Joyce so many times over the years, wondering if she knew how much her support had meant to me, but I never dreamed I’d have the chance to tell her in person.
Our reunion was everything I hoped it would be. Sitting across from her, having a cuppa and reminiscing, was like revisiting a chapter of my life that had stayed with me but remained unspoken. I finally had the chance to look Joyce in the eyes and say, “Thank you.” I told her how much the programme had changed my life, how it had set me on a path that would eventually lead to founding Beanstalk. I shared that, because of her, I now dedicate my career to helping others find their way, just as she once helped me.
Joyce was touched by the impact her support had had on my life, and as we sat there, we shared laughs and memories from a time that shaped us both. I learned more about how she and her colleague, Sue, had designed the programme to meet the needs of young mums, crafting an approach that made us feel seen, valued, and capable. Hearing this from her directly filled in the missing pieces of the journey I had lived through.
The reunion with Joyce was a powerful reminder of why I started Beanstalk Skills Academy. At Beanstalk, I want to offer others the same sense of support, purpose, and possibility that Joyce and the PYAT programme gave me. This isn’t just about providing skills and training—it’s about building people up, helping them feel seen and valued, and giving them the belief that they can create a life they’re proud of.
Looking back now, I know that programmes like PYAT are still as vital today as they were back then. People need more than just training; they need to feel part of something meaningful, to have the confidence to take those first steps toward a brighter future. Meeting Joyce again reminded me of the profound, lasting impact that one caring mentor and one thoughtful programme can have on someone’s life. It was a full-circle moment, and I left that day more inspired than ever to continue this work, to honour the legacy of PYAT, and to bring that same sense of hope to others through Beanstalk Skills Academy.”
A few words from Joyce . . . “Meeting up with Kerry, and Ve was such a pleasure, and I am so pleased we were able to make it happen. I really appreciate all her kind words, and it was lovely to reminisce about those early days. Kerry has achieved so much through her determination and hard work, and it is amazing, and heartwarming, that Kerry is continuing to help and nurture others. I look forward to hearing about all the future achievements to come”.