Sydney’s Story
They’re like my family. I don’t have that kind of relationship with my mum, so having people like that means a lot.
Turning 18 can change the support around you overnight – even though becoming an adult does not mean suddenly having life figured out.
Sydney was socially isolated and managing routines and responsibilities largely alone.
It when I turned 18, that changed. I’d only see someone every six weeks. It felt like being thrown into a zombie apocalypse.
Since engaging with St Giles Trust, Sydney received consistent one-to-one support focused on practical needs and emotional wellbeing.
At first, I was scared of things like counselling, but it’s helped me a lot. It’s helped me understand my emotions and deal with everyday life.
Support included building routines, improving sleep, budgeting and managing rent, alongside helping Sydney feel more confident and stable.
We did things like colouring and skating. It gave me space to relax and just be myself.
Over time, Sydney started to see herself differently – feeling more capable, more confident and more hopeful about the future.
They encourage me. They’ve helped me stop putting myself down. I feel more confident in myself now.
She also replaced old coping mechanisms with healthier routines.
I’ve replaced smoking with skating. It’s something I enjoy, and it helps me clear my head.”
Today, Sydney has completed Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications, completed safeguarding and equality training and signed up with a teaching agency while working towards a career in teaching.
It’s given me a sense of what I can do for myself.
Having support with things like budgeting and paying back rent arrears gave Sydney space to focus on more than the bills – building confidence and helping her imagine what came next.
Can you help make this time next summer look very different for others like Sydney who are still trying to work out who they are while feeling like they have to do it alone?
With your support, more young people like Sydney can have the time, support and confidence to create futures beyond their circumstances.
Be there this summer, so someone can look forward to the next one.