Young people are our future, so investing in their development not only helps them but society. We work with young people to give them the best opportunities to succeed.
It’s not easy. Many of the young people who find their way into our service come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Their families may be fractured, guardians uninterested, estranged, or even deceased. But one thing remains the same. They all deserve help, support, and guidance. And we want to make them thrive.
Today, we’re featuring a young person we worked with a few years ago. Many thanks for sharing your story, Henri!
Henri’s story
At 16 I was known as the youngest person with the most missing person reports in Dorset. I used to go out and not return home for days. The police and my social worker were always looking for me.
My life before YOU was chaotic. I had no sense of routine and needed a change. That change came when I moved into supported housing.
Looking back now, I am so glad for the opportunity to live there. At first, it was a struggle. Getting used to the house rules and living with strangers. However, I quickly found myself settling into a routine, I made friends and I felt safe. Within a month of moving in, I was no longer being reported missing.
Staff and I have open conversations. Together, we discuss how best I can move forward and work towards moving into a place of my own. Weekly, key works are completed in the form of conversations or activities and this shaped my support plans. I choose what I want to work on and when I want to do it.
I find that the staff are friendly, approachable, and professional. Staff work at a pace that I am comfortable with, so, I quickly came to trust them. Together, we formed a network of support, identifying indicators and triggers of when I may struggle and how best they can support me. For example; with cooking sessions, going to medical appointments and always being there for emotional support day or night. We also have fun and laugh a lot! My mental health is so much better and I have not self-harmed for a year.
Gaining skills
As well as staff, an aspect of my move on requires me to work with various agencies regarding my mental health and NEET. Staff liaise with agencies to monitor progress and development. All this has helped me gain skills. Such as employability and social skills to be able to move on and live independently.
The path to independent living is not what most young people have to think about when they live without family. It has had its fair share of challenges. Even though I still have a way to go, I feel proud of how far I have come on this journey and be able to put in place goals to prepare for independent living.
I can confidently say I would not be where I am if it were not for The YOU Trust.
