Stephen’s Story: “Seeing my mentor has made a huge difference”

Meet Stephen (not his real name), a member at Inspire, Chorley Youth Zone .

I started going to the Youth Zone because it was something to do with my mates – I like playing football and just messing about. At the time, life felt pretty bad, and my mental health was all over the place. But going to the Youth Zone has definitely helped. 

Seeing my mentor, Steve, has made a huge difference for me. He’s been good to talk to, and I honestly wouldn’t have gotten out of bed before meeting him. He’s been there for me, and I can talk to him about the things that stress me out. 

I enjoy going to the Youth Zone because it provides me with a great social life and the chance to hang out with my friends. My mentor has been helpful and supportive. He’s helped me through some hard times, especially when I felt like giving up. I really wanted to end my life, but he helped me talk about my feelings and work through things. 

I feel that since being at the Youth Zone I have met a lot of people, and it has stopped me getting in trouble with the police. I think I have matured.

Stephen’s mentor said:

‘Through determination and growth, Stephen has turned his way of thinking around and is beginning to focus on his future.

Youth Work, Tara Palin said:

There has been a noticeable change in Stephen. He has started to interact more respectfully with his peers and staff members. Mentoring has been great for Stephen because he wasn’t able to open up to anyone else and by doing this, he has been able to deal with situations in a calmer way’.