Liam's Story | Page 5 | Youth Insearch

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Mon, 13/05/2019 - 00:00

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Stories, Newsletter

Liam, pictured in the centre, tells his unique story. He didn't know Youth Insearch growing up, as he became involved in Youth Insearch later on in his life. Having experienced trauma in his younger years, Liam discovered Youth Insearch through his work in the social services sector. Able to relate to many of the kids situations, Liam became a keen advocate of the program, and to this day continues his involvement as a Youth Insearch Leader.


Hello. My name is Liam. I'm 22 years old at the time of writing this, and I reside in Melbourne Victoria. I was born in a small country town in NSW. My childhood was not the best as I was born into a home where domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and sexual abuse were day-to-day occurrences.

Because of my childhood I developed mental health and behavioural issues. Throughout my childhood and teenage years I was also bullied and suffered grief. When I was 14 years old, I came out to my parents that I was gay. My parents weren't accepting of this and I was kicked out of home. At this point of my life I didn't think it was worth living anymore, so I made several attempts to end my life.

In 2010, I was put into the care of my grandmother. My Nan was the first person who truly loved me. She supported me to get the support I needed to overcome my barriers.

Fast forward to 2016, I was working for an employment agency where I was working with youth to overcome their barriers to gain employment or enter into education. I was finding that the young people I was working with had many barriers that regular counselling wasn't helping with, and due to being in a regional area we had limited services.

A co-worker at the time informed me about a program called "Youth Insearch". I was willing to try anything to assist my clients, so I attended my first Youth Insearch program as a guest. Wow, I was amazed at how they assisted the young people who attended. When other co-workers asked how it was, I could only answer with one word. "Magical".

At that stage I was hooked. I started volunteering as a Support Adult and referred my young people to the program. I saw a massive difference in my clients attitude and perception in their lives. I couldn't at the time understand why it made a difference compared to counselling. Then I realised it works because Youth Insearch leads with love.

After seeing the amazing work Youth Insearch does with the young people, I was inspired and applied to become a Youth Leader. I was accepted into leadership training, and I am now a certified Youth Insearch Leader, and can now be part of the the magic that changes young people's lives.

For me personally, I had my grandmother to help me. But for a lot of young people who attend the program don't have that positive person in their lives. Youth Insearch offers that. I hope Youth Insearch will be around when I have my children so they can experience being a part of the Youth Insearch family.