S came to us looking for social interaction and a safe space where she could understand who she was and what she wanted from her future. As a care-experienced young person who had experienced family trauma, S needed somewhere she could simply be herself, take time to heal and begin to explore her identity.
She initially began engaging with our women’s empowerment group, where she was able to meet other young women, build relationships and develop her confidence in a supportive environment.
As we got to know S, she shared that she was studying Law at A Level and had ambitions to pursue a career in the legal profession. Recognising her passion and potential, we were able to connect her with one of our business members, Nelsons, where she received one-to-one mentoring from a qualified lawyer.
This gave S the opportunity to explore her aspirations, gain an insight into the legal profession and speak directly with someone working in the career she hopes to pursue.
Discovering a Passion for Music
Alongside her studies, S also began exploring her creativity and passion for music. We signposted her to a music course, where she was able to develop her skills and express herself creatively.
S went on to write, produce and record her own song — an achievement that allowed her to explore a new passion while building her confidence and creative skills.
She also took part in the Arts Award Explore programme and successfully gained her qualification
Her involvement in the project opened up further opportunities, and S has since been offered opportunities to perform at multiple events and showcases, including PRS Foundation, the E2 Youth Showcase and the Pedestrian Back to Books Festival.
As part of the Back to Books project, S’s song will also be pressed onto vinyl, giving her the opportunity to see her creative work become a physical record.
Finding Her Voice
S has become an increasingly confident young woman and has begun using her experiences to encourage and inspire others.
At our annual Business Awards, S spoke openly about her journey and the impact that Leicestershire Cares has had on her. She explained that the organisation had given her the space to recover, take time to discover who she was again, explore her passions and develop her confidence along the way.
Her willingness to speak openly about her experiences demonstrates just how far she has come.
Developing Leadership and Business Skills
S has also shown strong leadership and organisational skills. She has taken on the role of Project Manager for our Hope N Mic project, where she will lead a team of young people in planning and delivering the event.
Her responsibilities include managing the team, supporting the creation of the music line-up and helping to promote the event. Through this role, S is developing valuable skills in leadership, project management, communication, organisation and event planning.
She has demonstrated strong business acumen and an ability to take responsibility, work collaboratively and turn ideas into action.
S has also joined the Local PAC initiative, supporting work to help build trust between young people and the police and encouraging stronger relationships between young people and local communities.
S’s Journey
S’s journey demonstrates the importance of giving young people the time, space and opportunities to discover who they are beyond their experiences of care and family trauma.
Through the support she has received, S has explored her ambitions, discovered new passions and developed confidence in her abilities. From aspiring to become a lawyer, to writing and recording her own music, gaining an Arts Award qualification and taking on a leadership role, she is continuing to build a future shaped by her own interests and ambitions.
S is not only discovering her own potential; she is beginning to use her voice, creativity and leadership skills to create opportunities for other young people too.