Standing Strong with our Youth

Youth Week and Pink Shirt Day in May were powerful reminders of the pressures young people face today, and just how important it is that they have someone in their corner, backing them all the way.

Small steps, big changes

One young person we’ve been walking alongside had really lost their way. After being picked on at school for how they looked and talked, they stopped showing up all together. Their confidence took a massive knock.

They didn’t feel like they belonged anywhere.

That’s when one of our youth coaches stepped in. It started small, just showing up, going for a walk, kicking a ball, or playing a game of cards. No pressure, just someone turning up who cared. Over time, their trust grew.

Our Youth Coach helped them set small goals and work through the tough stuff. Together, they came up with a plan to get back to school bit by bit.

Creating safe spaces to heal and grow

One day, after a walk, the young person said quietly, “I didn’t think anyone would actually stick with me. I thought I was too much.”

That moment stayed with our Youth Coach who shared, “it reminded me how many young people feel that way, and how important it is that we don’t give up on them.”

Now the young person is back at school part-time and beginning to feel good about who they are. One relationship, one safe space, one caring adult at a time, helping young people find their spark again.