Lyndsey Hughes is a remarkable tutor and project manager at CYCA – Connecting Youth, Children & Adults in Llanelli. She embodies resilience, dedication, and the power of education. Her journey from a shy, young mother to a confident tutor and project manager is a testament to her hard work and determination, demonstrating the
power of education to transform lives.

Her story began in 2017 when she attended a Resilience course at the Integrated Children’s Centre. At that time,
Lyndsey was a young mother of three, pregnant with her fourth child, and had never left her children before.
Despite her initial shyness and nervousness, Lyndsey’s determination to improve her life and support her family
was evident from the start.

Lyndsey’s first course, the Agored Cymru Level 1 Resilience, marked the beginning of her transformation.
She quickly gained confidence, actively participated in group discussions, and shared her personal experiences
as a mother, which resonated with her peers. Her commitment to learning was unwavering, even after the birth of her fourth child. Lyndsey continued to attend courses, often nursing her baby during sessions and completing her workbooks at home.

Lianna Davies, Deputy CEO from CYCA says, “We firmly believe that Lyndsey makes a significant difference to others, particularly when delivering courses because she has lived their lives and has walked in their shoes. There is no-one more inspirational and aspirational to deliver a course to help and support those in the community to start their own journey, gaining qualifications and returning to work. Lyndsey is the epitome of success.”

Her dedication and passion for helping others led her to become a “Mentor Mam” for CYCA, where she delivered
arts and crafts sessions and supported other mothers in developing their skills. She says, “The courses I deliver
are all Level 1 courses and accredited to help and support those who have left school with no qualifications and lack confidence and self-esteem.” Lyndsey’s desire to further her knowledge and skills saw her shadowing other tutors, completing a “Train the Trainer” course, and achieving a Level 3 Principles of Assessment qualification.
Today, Lyndsey is a key tutor at CYCA, delivering the same courses that helped her on her journey.

Her unique ability to connect with learners, having walked in their shoes, makes her an inspirational figure. She is now the Project Manager for a levelling up funded project, supporting the community to gain new skills to get into employment. She says, “I feel honoured to help and support new learners on their journey, to inspire and help others is my passion. If I can achieve what I have achieved with four young children, anyone can.”