written by Natalie Huc
When I was first unwell and out of school, I thought progress would look like suddenly feeling better, going back to school full time, catching up with everyone else, and getting back to ‘normal’. What I didn’t realise was that progress often looks much smaller than that- and that’s okay.
Sometimes progress is moving from your bed to the sofa, when yesterday it felt too difficult. Or taking your medication when you really don’t want to. Sometimes it’s joining an online session, messaging a friend, making it to an appointment, or simply getting through a tough day. These are all small wins that might not feel important at the time, but they all add up.
Being out of school can feel isolating. It can seem like everyone else is moving forward whilst you’re standing still. I remember feeling like I was the only person going through it. One of the things that helped me the most was realising that I wasn’t alone. There were people out there who understood and reminded me that my situation wouldn’t last forever.
Through Bright Futures UK, I had the chance to connect with people who genuinely cared. The support I received through the tutoring programme helped me build confidence and feel more connected during a difficult period. It gave me the structure and encouragement I needed to work towards sitting my A Level exams in that subject, which was a really important milestone for me. Looking back, I can see that those conversations and sessions made a much bigger difference than I realised at the time.
Despite still managing chronic illnesses, I am currently a university student, and volunteer with Bright Futures UK, running befriending programmes to support other young people. It’s incredibly rewarding to give back to a charity that supported me when I needed it the most. It has also shown me that everyone’s journey is different. There is no right timeline for progress, and success doesn’t have to look the same as it does for everyone.
If you’re currently going through a difficult time, my message to you is simple: be kind to yourself. Celebrate the small wins, even when they don’t seem significant. Reaching out for support, attending a session, or getting through a challenging day are all achievements worth recognising.
You might not be where you want to be yet, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t moving forward. Sometimes the smallest steps are the ones that take us the furthest.
*Bright Futures UK is the only charity in the UK supporting children and young people to keep learning during serious illness.