Before Ryan found Go! Youth Trust (GYT), life felt like an uphill battle. Disconnected from school, distanced from friends, and burdened by poor mental health, he was understandably angry at the world.
As Ryan enjoyed all the fun activities such as craft, digital classes, trip away, Nintendo Switch, he began to open up about his struggles and find comfort in the new relationships he was building with both the GYT team and his peers. He built strong, trusting relationships, finally finding a safe space where he felt heard and supported. And even though school remained a challenge, he now knew there was always a place for him at our weekly Drop In where he could talk to someone.
Overtime, as his confidence grew, Ryan began to embrace more opportunities, including attending both our Summer and Winter Camps. The camps offered Ryan a relief from the pressures of home and school – a chance to just be himself. Surrounded by new friends and volunteers, Ryan experienced the joy of shared meals, laughter, and fresh adventures. It was during these camps that he reached a turning point, where he started to see and believe he could achieve more than he once thought.
Finding his voice and independence led him to becoming an advocate for other care-experienced young people, helping to change policies and attend national conferences to discuss how to support care experienced young people like himself. He is no longer the quiet, angry boy. Ryan has become a leader, standing up for those who, like him, had once struggled to be heard.
Ryan has since moved on to complete a Hospitality and Baking course at Forth Valley College as well as continuing to attend our 16+ Drop In each week, where he continues to grow and thrive.