Valerie is a young person who trained as a Peer Advisor through the Wrexham Peer Hub after experiencing homelessness and adverse childhood experiences.

Valerie’s story

At the time she came into contact with St Giles, she was attending sessions at her local youth centre who referred her to us as she was already providing support to other young people at the centre.

When we first met Valerie, she was lacking in confidence despite the fact she clearly had ability and skills. Our Trainer worked with her to build her levels of self confidence and get her starting on her Peer Advisor training.

It became apparent that Valerie did not have access to a laptop for her coursework or any money to travel to and from her placement with a small local charity. We helped her get funding for travel and a laptop. However, she was not initially confident about using it so we supported her with a Digital Skills Coach who could help her build her IT skills.

Valerie’s confidence grew and she successfully completed her coursework whilst doing well in her placement. She has found the experience of training as a Peer Advisor to be a gamechanger and tells us that she is now doing things that she would never have had the confidence to do previously.  This included applying for funding on behalf of the young clients she was supporting, helping them build CVs and look for college courses.  She has now been offered a paid position at her placement – her first ever job.

*Name changed to protect the young person’s identity.

Get the latest from the St Giles Newsletter

Receiving our newsletter will mean you will be the first to hear about the impact of our work. latest news, invitations to events and find out ways you can support us.