Sara’s story: “I found a community where I finally felt like I belonged.”

Meet Sara, aged 13 and a member of Unitas, Barnet Youth Zone.

I’ve been coming to Unitas since June 2024, when I first joined as a junior. I didn’t know then that walking through those doors would change my life.

My very first memory is stepping into the performing arts room and meeting a youth worker called Keran. We connected instantly through our shared love for singing, dancing, and acting. From then on, we had singing lessons every Saturday morning. She didn’t just teach me how to sing better – she taught me how to believe in myself. She listened when things were hard, encouraged me when I doubted myself, and helped me find my voice in more ways than one.

What keeps me coming back isn’t just the activities – it’s the people. The staff are so supportive, and everyone makes you feel welcome. It truly feels like a family. Before Unitas, I never really felt part of anything. But here, I found a community where I finally felt like I belonged.

Unitas has helped me discover who I want to be. Before I joined, I had no direction – I didn’t know what my future could look like. I thought I’d just drift and see where life took me. But Unitas showed me that my passion for performing isn’t just a hobby. It’s something real. It’s something I can build a future around.

Because of Unitas, I’m now attending Sylvia Young Theatre School. I’m starting my LAMDA training. I’ve begun auditioning. I’m putting myself out there in ways I never thought I could. Before coming here, I was shy. I barely spoke unless someone spoke to me first. I didn’t think I was good enough. I didn’t think people would want to hear my voice. But Unitas helped me grow into someone I’m proud of. Someone who feels seen. Someone who feels capable. Someone who feels hopeful.

Unitas gave me a safe space to dream – and the support to start making those dreams real.