Jess could barely leave the house when she began working with YG.

“I grew up in Spain and at the age of 14 I was put on anti-depressants. I don’t remember there being anything specific that happened but I was not in a good place. I wasn’t offered any other support at the time, just to take the tablets.

“At the age of 17 I moved to England with my family, my grandfather had died and my mother decided to take us back to her home. The change was so huge that I struggled to cope. I found myself scared to go outside, I couldn’t leave the house. I managed to see a Doctor here in the UK who told me that the rules are different and they couldn’t prescribe my medication because I was under 18. After three years of taking anti-depressants I just had to stop. My anxiety got worse and my depressive days came more often.

“The doctor suggested therapy and gave me a list of services. I got in touch with Young Gloucestershire because it sounded the friendliest. That’s when I was given a Youth Worker to be my virtual mentor. She gave me the option of how I would like to be contacted and at the beginning I was so nervous I could only bring myself to text her. We worked together for nearly four months and in that time we have managed to progress to telephone and video sessions. She has helped me focus on getting back outside. We broke down what felt like a huge task into little steps. I looked forward to talking with her each week and with her support and guidance I was able to build my confidence and face my fears. I have even managed to go out to lunch with my mum.

“My next step is to begin working with a Counsellor at Young Gloucestershire. Four months ago I never would have been able to cope with a counselling session. These first steps with YG have opened up doors for me so I can get the help I need without being thrown in at the deep end. For the first time I feel like it might be possible for me to get to a happier place. My hopes for the future are to be able to visit Spain again and to explore my new home in England.”