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When she first heard about Youth Insearch through her local community centre, she was hesitant. “I wasn’t sure the program would help. But something inside me told me to give it a shot. I ended up attending one of the programs, and that decision changed everything for me.” At her first Weekend Workshop, Sam felt a sense of safety that allowed her to speak openly about the pain she had been carrying, something she hadn’t experienced in a long time. During a ‘hassle session’, a core part of Youth Insearch’s program that addresses sensitive topics, Sam opened up about her past for the first time. The Youth Insearch team leading the session listened with compassion, helping her realise that the pain she’d been carrying wasn’t hers to bear alone. “That moment made a huge impact on me—it was the beginning of healing.” From there, things started to shift. Sam began learning how to manage her emotions, communicate more openly, and rebuild trust. She discovered tools to cope with grief and started showing up for herself in ways she never had before. “There was a time when I didn’t think I’d even make it to 18, and now I’m looking at taking support worker courses because I want to help others the way I was helped.” At her second Weekend Workshop, Sam developed strong friendships that further strengthened her support network. She made friends with other young people who understood her journey. “Having someone who truly understands where I’ve been and who supports me unconditionally has made a world of difference.” Now, Sam is now looking ahead and passionate about becoming a Support Worker and eventually a Peer Leader within Youth Insearch. Her goal is to support young people who are struggling and remind them they are not alone. “I want to be the hand that reaches out and says, ‘You can get through this.’” Youth Insearch helped Sam rebuild her life. It gave her the tools, support, and confidence to move forward, and now she’s focused on giving that same support to others. “I’m so thankful for everything the program has done for me, and I’m excited to keep growing and giving back in any way I can.” |
