Like many young people I work with today, my teenage years and early twenties were marked by a profound sense of disconnection and struggle. Unable to process early trauma and feeling lost in a world that seemed to demand a version of myself I couldn’t provide, I turned to what felt like the only available coping mechanisms – alcohol and disordered eating became my ways of seeking control in a world that felt chaotic and unsafe.

Working in marketing and graphic design in 2010, I wore the mask of professional success while grappling with an inner turmoil that few could see. I wasn’t living authentically; I was surviving. The creative industry provided an outlet, but it couldn’t fill the void left by unresolved trauma and the absence of proper support during those crucial formative years.

The turning point came when I realised that my personal struggles could serve a greater purpose. My experience of feeling unheard and unsupported as a young person wasn’t unique – it was a story shared by countless others. This recognition sparked a profound shift in my life’s direction and a desire to become a community champion for young people.

Transition to youth work

Transitioning from marketing to youth work wasn’t just a career change; it was an acknowledgment of my own journey and a commitment to being the support I wished I’d had. Working with young people opened my eyes to how many others were struggling with similar challenges – feeling lost, unable to be their authentic selves, searching for ways to cope with trauma and uncertainty.

The progression through youth work to mental health support, and eventually to becoming a counsellor and coach, has been a journey of both professional and personal healing. Today, I specialise in supporting young people aged 12-25 and their parents across Devon and Cornwall, offering trauma-informed support alongside my therapy dog, Teddy.

My approach is deeply rooted in personal experience and professional expertise. I understand the courage it takes to ask for help, the vulnerability in sharing your story, and the transformative power of being truly heard. Working with young people and their families, I create safe spaces where authentic selves can emerge and heal.

This journey from struggling youth to mental health practitioner hasn’t always been straightforward, but it’s been profoundly meaningful. Every challenge I faced has become a tool for understanding and connection. Every difficult experience has shaped my ability to support others with genuine empathy and insight.

Powerful community-based support

Since starting The Pioneers Project CIC this has deepened my understanding of how powerful community-based support can be. Running this transformative organisation has reinforced my belief that lasting change happens through relationships built on compassion and understanding. The Project’s mission aligns perfectly with my own journey – showing how personal transformation can ripple out to create meaningful community change. Through this collaboration, I’ve witnessed how accessible, relationship-focused services can break down barriers and create lasting positive change in people’s lives. It’s not just about individual healing; it’s about building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and find their authentic path.

Today, I’m privileged to witness transformations in the lives of young people and their families, helping them navigate their own journeys toward authenticity and wellbeing. This isn’t just work – it’s a mission born from personal experience and fuelled by a deep understanding that with the right support, at the right time, we can all find our way to healing and purpose.