Willow's story
Nightmares about money. Mum missing meals because there wasn’t enough food. Praying for someone to help. That’s what Willow’s childhood was like – constant stress and anxiety, feeling defeated and isolated. No child should have to experience this. But right now, 9 students in every classroom of 30 young people are growing up in poverty and dealing with these challenges. Here is Willow’s story.
Feeling the strain
Feeling the strain
Growing up, it was always just Willow and her mum. As a family, they were dependent on benefits, which due to errors in the system would come late some weeks leaving them without any support. Willow’s mum also struggled with her mental health because of an abusive childhood which made home a chaotic place to be.
“Meals were a struggle. I did get the free school meals but at dinner time I remember my mum would go without at times so I could eat. I was still her priority. I remember her being hungry and I would know she wasn’t eating.”
I felt we were alone
I felt we were alone and there was no one I could turn to.
Willow was a child. But she worried like an adult. She had nightmares about money, spent her childhood on high alert. School felt irrelevant. Even now, she feels the effects of growing up with this anxiety. She hates spending money in case it goes away and feels as though she’s spent her whole life in survival mode.
The next step
The next step
Today, Willow loves spending time with her friends (and her dogs). She works as a personal trainer, helping people every day. But the challenges she faced as a child still have an impact.
Being able to help people is so rewarding.
Children in poverty
“I’ve been a personal trainer for about a year now. I discovered my passion for it because I have massive body dysmorphia. I started training to try and help that. I was also a gymnast and I’ve always been very active."
“I love exercise and I love the benefits it can have on your mind. It’s more than physical. The mental aspect of training just calms you. You can get rid of anger or frustration. All the endorphins make you feel so good about yourself, and you have more energy."
I just want young people to know that they’re not alone. I just want young people to know that they’re not alone.
Mental health crisis
When children like Willow get help early, it can stop crisis in its tracks. Half of mental health issues begin by the age of 14. But at our drop-ins, young people can get the tools they need to understand and manage what they’re feeling, reducing the risk that they’ll face bigger challenges in the future. They are places where teenagers can find a space to talk through what they’re dealing with and feel heard. No appointments, no waiting lists. Just the right help at the right time.
Millions of children across the UK are at risk and support services are overstretched. Too many children are missing out on crucial early support. Will you donate today to support teenagers in need.
Make a donation
Right now, there are children like Willow need your help. Together, we can change this. Your kindness today could fund a support worker, counselling or much-needed legal advice, and give a child hope.
