Emma’s story
Creating her own future
When Emma Leitch’s young son Aidan challenged her to step outside her comfort zone, she had no idea it would lead to a journey that would reshape her future.
A passionate artist and devoted mum of two, Emma had spent years volunteering at her children’s school in West Lothian - running art clubs, creating props for school shows, and encouraging creativity wherever she could.
But when Aidan agreed to take part in a school play, he gave his mum one condition: “Only if you challenge yourself too.”
That challenge was the spark Emma needed.
“I’d been out of work, focused on raising the kids,” Emma says. “But I knew I wanted to do more. I wanted to work with people - especially children - and use art as a way of helping them grow in confidence and express themselves.”
A recommendation from a school receptionist introduced Emma to a creative employability programme run by Impact Arts, in partnership with Access to Employment and Routes To Work.
There, she met Helen, a case worker from Access to Employment, and Routes To Work’s Scot Smith, both of whom recognised Emma’s drive and helped her map out her next steps.
She joined Routes To Work’s Pupil Support Routeway - a training programme designed to equip parents with the skills and experience to work in schools. Emma calls it a turning point.
“It blew my mind that this training was free. As a parent, finances are always a stress, but this gave me a chance to actually pursue my dream.”
Through the Routeway, she gained practical training, built her confidence and even secured a paid placement at her children’s school through Access to Employment.
“Scot helped me believe in myself,” she says. “The way the training was delivered made you feel like you had a team in your corner. It was stressful at times, but in the best way. I needed to be stretched.”
Emma’s journey is just one example of RTW’s Growth Stream in action in West Lothian - part of a wider partnership effort to support parents furthest from the job market.
The work focuses on skilling people up, not just pushing them into employment. That distinction made all the difference for Emma.
“Every part of this journey has helped me build on my skills and confidence. I’ve realised what I’m capable of.”
Now, Emma is about to start a PDA in Pupil Support at West Lothian College, alongside her paid school placement.
Her long-term goal? To combine her passions for art and care into a career in art therapy, working with children who need a creative outlet to express themselves.
“Art doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to give someone a voice. That’s what I want to bring into schools - especially for kids who don’t always have the words.”
Her message to others thinking about entering the workforce?
“Don’t doubt yourself. You’ll feel like you can’t do it - but you can. Find that spark, and just go for it.”
