Adult student Bear Cotney finds a new purpose through Counselling

After more than 35 years away from education, adult learner Bear Cotney took the leap back into the classroom at Barnsley College and hasn’t looked back since.

Bear is currently studying the Level 3 Counselling course after previously completing the Level 2 Introduction to Counselling and a four-week safeguarding and prevention course. What started as a personal journey has now become a clear career ambition.

Having worked for several years in retail and spending time working for the NHS as a porter, Bear realised he wanted a more meaningful career helping others.

He said: “Having been in a situation where I needed counselling myself, conversations with my counsellor made me realise it might be a career I could pursue. I’m quite an open and honest person and I’ve had a lot of life experience that could help people who have been through similar situations.”

Returning to education after such a long break initially felt daunting, but Bear says the support he has received from staff and fellow students has transformed the experience.

He added: “I was initially apprehensive as it had been over 35 years since I was last in education. However, the course and incredible staff and tutors at Barnsley College have made it an absolute pleasure.”

Bear credits the supportive environment at College for helping rebuild his confidence after a negative experience in higher education years earlier left him questioning whether education was for him.

“This time has been absolutely amazing,” he explained. “Our wellbeing as a group is paramount and we are very well looked after. I’ve also been fortunate to have an amazing group of students in my class and we’ve become more like family.”

Now firmly focused on his future, Bear already plans to progress onto Level 4 HNC and Level 5 HND qualifications, with hopes of eventually achieving a degree in criminal psychology.

His long-term ambition is to work in bereavement counselling and suicide prevention, supporting people through some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

For anyone considering studying counselling or returning to education as an adult, Bear’s advice is simple.

“Do it, and as soon as possible. It’s been the best decision I ever made. The staff are wonderful, the course is well structured and you receive loads of support. Just give it a try and you won’t be disappointed.”