A Musselburgh woman has had a “remarkable journey” since dropping out of formal education in her second year of secondary school at the age of 13.

Darcey Lawrence is now a dental nurse apprentice after her introduction to locally based Bridges Project marked the start of an “incredible turnaround” for her.

Darcey was struggling with anxiety as a pupil at Preston Lodge High School in Prestonpans, said Simen Holm, fundraising and communications manager at the Bridges Project.

“I was down in the dumps and was struggling to make friends,” said Darcey, now 21.

At one point, it all just became too much for her.

“I ended up dropping out halfway through my second year and I never came back,” she said.

She started receiving support from a social worker but they were unable to find any activities Darcey would successfully engage with.

A few years passed and she was still “disengaged” from all services.

“When I was 15-16, my social worker introduced me to Bridges Project as it was the only place she thought I might be able to engage with,” said Darcey.

She soon became involved with various groups that the youth charity, on Bogpark Road, Musselburgh, was offering.

“The groups really helped. I met other young people with similar backgrounds and challenges. Over time, it helped build my confidence,” said Darcey.

After building up her confidence in Bridges Project’s groups and completing nearly every PlayBack Learning Academy qualification the charity delivers, it was time for Darcey to take on a challenge.

She was referred to the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) programme, a week-long course in the north of Scotland.

“It really pushed you out of your comfort zone as you had to be with other girls you didn’t know and do activities such as canoeing,” said Darcey.

The qualifications and life skills she gained through Bridges Project and RYLA eventually paved an alternative educational route for her and she was able to apply to college. She was accepted onto a childcare course but dropped out when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. A few jobs followed before she decided to go back to college to do dental nursing.

“I wanted a change and have always liked teeth and looking after my own teeth. I find it very fascinating,” said Darcey about her change of career path.

Halfway through her degree, she decided it was even better to learn on the job. She applied for an NHS apprenticeship which she could combine with her last year of college. She secured a job with Lauriston Dental Hospital.

“I really enjoy dental nursing and have found what I want to do now,” said Darcey, who has been living in Musselburgh for the past seven years.

Mr Holm explained that, when reflecting back on her remarkable journey, Darcey was “filled with pride” – not only because of her career progression but also because of her “incredible development on a personal level”.

Darcey said: “I am really proud of myself. Before I got support from Bridges Project, I could not even talk to people on the phone. Now I am confident and sociable and have a good group of friends. It is amazing how I have come on.

“Bridges Project helped me a lot. I wouldn’t be where I am without it. It is fair to say I have come far in life because of Bridges Project.”

Darcey sent out a clear message to other young people who are struggling, saying: “My story shows that if you work hard and get support from the right people, you can get far.”