With articles already published and a growing portfolio of work, Lucy Currier is ready to take the next step in her journalism career after successfully completing the NCTJ Certificate in Foundation Journalism (CFJ).

Lucy has had work published by Disability Horizons, as well as three pieces featured by Freelancing for Journalists. She is now preparing to pitch new ideas across the subjects that interest her most: disability, accessibility, comedy and theatre.

Writing gives Lucy both a creative outlet and a level of independence that is especially important to her.

“My disability means I need a lot of physical help with everyday things, so having something I can do completely by myself means a great deal to me,” she said.

The Academy’s online and flexible approach allowed Lucy to study from home and continue working towards her qualification around her health, care needs and personal circumstances.

“With my disability, getting up and attending an in-person class regularly simply isn’t realistic,” Lucy explained.

“I’ve had several personal challenges to overcome while completing the course, but having the flexibility to work when I had the time and energy enabled me to showcase my ability rather than worrying about keeping to rigid deadlines. Without that flexibility, I’m not sure I would have passed.”

For Lucy, completing the CFJ is not simply about gaining a qualification. It has strengthened her confidence in her ability and given her a professional foundation from which to develop her writing career.

“I’m incredibly grateful to the NCTJ and the Academy for Disabled Journalists for giving me the opportunity to complete my Certificate in Foundation Journalism,” she said.

“I’m also updating my blog and social media accounts as I continue to build my profile as a journalist. My thanks go to everyone involved in helping me get to where I am today, and I’m excited to see where my journalism journey takes me next.”

Grant Logan, founder of the Academy for Disabled Journalists, said:

“Lucy has faced significant personal challenges throughout the course, including ongoing health and care issues, but she never lost sight of her goal. She continued working whenever she was able, and her CFJ success is thoroughly deserved.

“We are incredibly proud of what she has achieved and look forward to seeing where her journalism career takes her next.”

Lucy now plans to expand her portfolio, develop her online profile and begin pitching her ideas to more publications.

LinkedIn Lucy Currier