Stories
When young people want to tell their story, we listen. We see something in every one of them. We see hope. Often their stories aren't easy to tell, but they tell them. They know that opening up will help them feel better and show others, who have it just as tough, that there can be a brighter tomorrow.
Here are their stories, told in their words.
Katie
Katie
When Katie was a teenager, spending time on social media was a normal part of life. She was chatting, scrolling, talking with friends. But the day the police knocked on her door, everything changed. That’s when Katie and her family realised that she was in real danger. She was at risk of being exploited. Sophia, a specialist project worker, talks about how Katie was able to get a fresh start.
You can get better
You can get better
For Isla, the anxiety, distrust, and confusion that she experienced after she was shown explicit content by someone she trusted made life almost unbearable. Olivia, one of our therapists, helped Isla to develop the skills to cope with her emotions and understand that she wasn’t to blame for what had happened.
Rosie's story
Rosie's story
When Rosie was 11 her dad was gone from her life almost entirely. To cope, Rosie turned to self-harm. She even tried to take own life.
After getting the help she needed from one of our specialist practitioners she turned a corner. Now she feels like a new person.
My voice was being heard
My voice was being heard
When Andrew was just 13 he and his family were caught up in a terrifying attack. He struggled with his mental health. After receiving therapy from one of our specialist practitioners he was able to process his traumatic memories.
Leila's Story
Leila's Story
It was Christmas when Leila and her family arrived in the UK. From a young age, she had seen her mum experience domestic violence and they were searching for safety.
Leila received care and support from our practitioners. Piece by piece, she was able to rebuild her life. Today, Leila is a volunteer speaker and staff member for us. She passionately works to ensure other vulnerable young people have the support they need.
Hope is never giving up
Hope is never giving up
When his son took two overdoses in a week, Sam knew they needed help. He reached out to our family support services and, through martial arts and mindfulness, they began to recover.
Kirsty's story
Kirsty's story
At a young age, Kirsty was sexually abused. She tried to get on with her life but never properly talked about what happened. There were times she couldn’t see a way out but she kept going, knowing that tomorrow could be better.
After meeting one of our project workers, Kirsty found the strength to work through it all. She now dreams of becoming a criminal prosecutor and is optimistic about the future.
I wasn’t alone
I wasn’t alone
There was a time when Alyssa felt like she was drowning. Only when she reached out to her mum and met one of our therapists did she begin to get control of her life.
Matthew's story
Matthew's story
As a teenager Matthew was groomed. He became lost in a world of drugs and crime. But he broke free and got the help he needed. Now he has his whole life ahead of him.
I feel less lonely
I feel less lonely
As a young refugee in the UK Suhail had to fight hard to start a new life in London. He has now found his feet and looks forward to seeing his family again.
