“When I first started YWP, I was five months pregnant, and apart from my family, I didn’t have anyone to talk about my problems with, and I was worrying about being a young mam. Then everything changed – YWP helped me achieve a lot more than I ever thought I could. I’ve now passed my first aid, and food safety and hygiene. I’m also a very confident young mam now and I love it. I’ve made some great friends who all have been through the same thing which gives us a chance to speak and share problems. I’ve never met nicer and kinder people, who actually like listening to problems, and helping you as much as they can. They’ve made me figure out what I want to do with my life – college, then hopefully become a midwife. They’ve also taught me what a healthy relationship is. I’m truly grateful.”
hear it from the young women themselves
Amy’s story
Grace’s story
“I’d just finished my last year of sixth form and had been accepted for a place at uni, when I found out I was expecting. There was no way I could start uni that year. I was lost. All my friends were moving away, living a normal teenage life. I spent every day alone, waiting for my boyfriend to finish work. When I started coming to YWP and meeting other young women in the same situation as myself, I finally stopped feeling so lost. I’ve had some hard times financially and emotionally but the support I’ve received here has really helped me through. Thanks to their support and encouragement, I’m now focussing on my future at university. I honestly think I would have given up on everything but being a lonely, stay-at-home mother. YWP is an escape from the stress in my life and a place to feel safe, confident, and cared for.”
Jess’s story
“When I first joined, I was shy and very nervous. The project turned me into a strong, friendly, caring young mother who can’t wait to try new things, and meet new people. They’ve helped me achieve lots of things and I couldn’t have done it without them. YWP is like my second family – I can turn to them for advice or even just a chat at any time and I know they’ll always support me. They’ve turned my frown upside down and I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done for me. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Isla’s story
“Before I came here, I had a tough time at school. I didn’t feel good about myself and felt worthless. I found it hard to make friends or talk to people. I couldn’t cope. When I first came, I was really nervous about meeting new people as I thought they wouldn’t like me. But they’ve made me feel really welcome, and were so friendly and helpful. The workers are always there for you if you need support or someone to talk to. We always have fun too! I’ve enjoyed every single activity and it’s helped me feel more positive.”
Alice’s story
What was going on in Alice’s life
Before she came to us, Alice was experiencing significant challenges. She was isolated and anxious, and not attending school. She was also struggling with self-harm and had no contact with her father. On top of all of this, she was experiencing body confidence issues, and had very low self-esteem.
How did the project help her?
Alice said, “Without the Young Women’s Project, I wouldn’t be here”. Through two hours of support a week, she learned practical life skills that she believed she wouldn’t have been taught in school.
The project offered a safe, consistent space where she could rebuild her confidence and develop healthier coping strategies. Today, she’s thriving.
She now has a job, has learned to drive, and is in a stable relationship. Alice credits these positive changes to guidance and encouragement she received from the project.
Bella’s story
What was going on in Bella’s life
Bella has ADHD and is currently awaiting an autism assessment. The anxiety she was experiencing meant she’d stopped attending school altogether. During this vulnerable time, she was groomed by a 20‑year‑old man and felt that her mother blamed her. The situation escalated to the point where the police became involved.
How did the project help her?
Through group work, Bella learned to become more accepting of others’ opinions – hearing the experiences of other young women gave her peer support and comfort. One-to-one sessions with a support worker also encouraged her to open up, engage, and listen to and respect others.
When she was later assaulted and received no support from her family, the team stepped in to make sure she felt heard, believed, and was protected. Staff also worked directly with Bella’s mother to help her understand that Bella was a victim and that none of it was her fault.
Demi’s story
What was going on in Demi’s life
Demi has huge responsibilities at home. She’s a young carer for her parents and sister, and often feels her personal needs are overlooked. Her situation led to a social care assessment.
How did the project help her?
Demi describes the project as a lifeline. She’s determined to attend even if it means negotiating with her mother, and has made Young Women’s Project a priority in her life. Group sessions helped her realise she wasn’t alone – although her young carer role is unique, she now knows others also have heavy burdens. Here, she feels part of a community, especially when her grandfather died. During that particularly difficult time, she appreciated how staff remembered the details of her life week to week, helping her feel seen and supported. While one-to-one counselling felt intimidating for Demi, the group’s informal and welcoming environment made her feel comfortable, and she was able to open up and build trust. She’s now found connection and a space where her needs matter.