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.
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.
Hayley's story
Hayley's story
When she was 16, Hayley was sexually abused by a man in her local neighbourhood. It left her feeling broken. She blamed herself for what had happened.
After getting the support she needed, she discovered coping techniques and was able to work through it all. Now she wants to help others that have been through something similar. She is looking forward to the future.
I'm more positive I'm more positive
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.
Lauren's story
Lauren's story
Two years ago, Lauren was top of the Child Protection Register. She would go missing for days, trapped in dirty houses with child abusers. Police feared she would be found dead.
When she met one of our child sexual exploitation workers, Lauren began to take back control of her life. She broke free from the abuse and started to rebuild her confidence. She is now focused on becoming a support worker so she can help others like her.
I was given hope I was given hope
There was a time Taylor thought she had no one. She found herself in an abusive relationship and was drinking and taking drugs to try and cope with her traumatic past. Only when she met one of our project workers did she start to have hope that things could get better.
Alyssa
Alyssa's story
Alyssa is top of her class at school. She also dreams of one day visiting New York, to see where all her favourite films were set. But it hasn't always been like this.
There was a time when she 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. She now knows how to cope if she starts feeling panicked. She enjoys meeting new people and is looking forward to the future.
I've come a
long way
I've come a long way
Alice has gone from thinking sexual abuse was a part of childhood , anxious to leave the house, to a signed musician, putting on gigs for other artists.
Molly's story
Molly's story
Molly is a young carer. From the age of ten, she's been looking after her mum, nan, dad and step dad. She cooks, picks up prescriptions, pays the bills. But she hasn't stopped pursuing her dreams.
Since joining our young carer programme she has become someone who speaks out for other young carers, she got a First Class degree in journalism and is now following her dream.
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.
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.
