I am 22 years old and have severely suffered from social anxiety for all of my life. Because of this I have never been in work (not even work experience).

I'm now so disappointed and upset. In October I enquired about volunteering at a local animal rescue centre but they said they were full and that they'll keep my details on file and that I should enquire again in January.

I emailed again on Monday and after building my hopes up all week I received the following response:

'To be honest I do not think I can take on any more work experience at the moment because I have started lots of young people after Christmas that are doing animal care courses at college. Alongside these people I already have work experience from schools coming at regular intervals as well as longstanding general volunteers. We have to be able to provide adequate supervision and there has also got to be enough work for everyone to do.

I will keep your details on file and if any placements finish I will certainly consider you.'

I have never had a job nor work experience and I keep getting rejected for jobs because of a lack of experience. I was looking forward to getting some work experience here because I love animals and it would have given me an opportunity to meet new people who have similar interests to me. Now, I've just been told that they will consider me, if a placement finishes.

I feel gutted