"I never thought I would enjoy anything so much - I'm having the time of my life," said Julie Fowler, 37, from Ringland. Formerly a hairdresser and secretary, Julie has two children, and is now studying the youth and community programme on the Access course. Her ambition is to be a probation officer.

"I was screaming for the support that's being offered by MAD and CHILL," said 25-year-old Beverley Moore, a single mum from Alway, with four-year-old twin boys and a daughter aged one.

"The meaning of MAD attracted me to the course because I was curious to find out how I could make a difference," she said. "I am currently learning the skills necessary to carry out my research project on the perception of crime in Alway. I hope that something can be done to improve the area for the people who live there."

"I wanted to get back into education for my son - I don't want him missing out," said Elaine Jones, 35, from Alway.. Having three-year-old Tony means Elaine fully understands the problems of balancing work and childcare. When she finishes her research project into the serious lack of childcare facilities in Alway, she hopes to start and run a nursery in the area so that single mothers will be able to go out to work. Elaine admits she hated school and left with no qualifications. Since her first job - combing the fluff on sheepskin slippers in a factory - she has worked as a barmaid and a meat packer.

"I am looking forward to trying to achieve my goals - not for myself but for my son, Tony," she added. "I really want him to be proud of his Mum, and I think this course is good for both of us."

"Joining MAD gave me a way to put something back into society and the community," said Maya Hill, 35, who comes from Alway and has three children.

"My research project for CHILL is about drug use in Newport and what help there is for people with a drug problem. Since joining the project I have realised that what I really want to do is counselling."

Maya is actively involved in the local community, working on a voluntary basis for Drug and Alcohol Family Support, and recently completed a qualification in counselling.

"I now find myself taking an interest in what goes on around me," said 25-year-old Ceri Gregory, from Ringland, who has two children. "I enjoy meeting new people and now find I have the confidence to try new things."

Ceri left school at 16 and worked in nursing homes before having her family. She has set her sights on becoming a fully qualified paramedic.

CHILL is part-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) Objective 3.