Zack's story
As a teenager, Zack was struggling with his mental health. Growing up, Zack was taught that it was a sign of weakness for boys to talk about their feelings or to ask for help. He struggled alone for a long time, until he heard of our wellbeing drop-ins. He finally had a safe space to talk about his feelings. He continues to use his voice to advocate for others and to seek a society that is better able to support young people to thrive.
Holding everything in
Holding everything in
As a teenager, Zack struggled with his mental health and wellbeing. The breakdown of relationships within his home led to feelings of stress, confusion, and anxiety. Zack found it hard to make sense of the changing dynamic in his family and had difficulty trusting those who had been closest to him.
Growing up, Zack had been told to ‘man up’ when he struggled.
Trying counselling
There’s stigma that asking for help makes us weak, so I was very determined that I didn’t need help from anyone and I could deal with it all myself, which I couldn’t.
He felt isolated and unable to talk to anyone about what was happening. As a result, his mental health deteriorated.
By college, his anxiety was overwhelming. Tutors referred Zack to the college counselling service, but the support felt overly formal and suffocating.
I found myself scripting what I was going to say before I went in because I really didn’t want to be there and just wanted to get it over with.
In the end, he stopped going – and felt lower than ever.
Turning point
Turning point
But then friends encouraged him to try our wellbeing drop-in service. This time, support was on his terms.
The sessions were easy to access as Zack didn’t need to schedule an appointment. He could turn up during the drop-in hours whenever he wanted to talk.
Opening up
And Jake, our specialist practitioner, really listened. Instead of putting pressure on Zack, he suggested they play a game of chess. This simple idea – based on years of experience – made Zack feel safe enough to be honest about the pain he’d been burying for so long.
It was nice and helpful to actually just talk about things and let it out in the open. It was sort of the first time for me opening up.
Advocating for other young people
Advocating for other young people
After his first visit to the drop-in, Zack continued to visit regularly and access the support it offered. Project workers offered Zack the opportunity to join one of The Children’s Society’s youth groups.
Within the youth group, Zack’s confidence grew. He learned how to use his voice to advocate for himself and for others. He also made strong friendships that continue to be a source of support and connection for him today.
Moving forward
I'm just proud that I'm able to be the voice for young people that maybe wouldn't have a voice.
For Zack, our drop-in service provided a lifeline at a crucial time. He believes that services like it are essential and need to be available to as many young people as possible.
If you guys didn't do the work that you do, then people like me couldn't get the help that they need.
Zack's story is true, but names and identifying details have been changed to protect identities. Photographs have been posed by actors.
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Together, we can help children like Zack get the support they need. Your kindness today could fund a support worker, counselling or much-needed legal advice, and give a child hope.
If I didn't have The Children Society, I don't know if I'd still be here.
