Rosa’s childhood challenges left her feeling deeply unhappy, but with support from YG she has found a new outlook.

“I suffered trauma in my childhood that has left me struggling with low moods. I was so unhappy and didn’t want to live this way anymore. I knew I needed help, and I went to YG. I had dropped out of school and left my job; I wanted to find a sense of purpose and figure out what I wanted to do and where I wanted to be.

“YG gave me a youth worker and counsellor for six months, it was brilliant. The counsellor helped me tackle deep stuff, like my relationship with my parents, while the youth worker helped me with practical things like finding jobs and boosting my confidence. It really pulled me out of a rut.

“After the six months, I still felt like I needed support, so my youth worker suggested canine therapy to help me transition. Working with the therapy dog was great—it boosted my mood every week and gave me something to look forward to.

“During the therapy sessions, I could chat with my youth worker in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. I also took an Animal Care course, which looks good on my CV. With YG’s encouragement, I applied for a job in childcare. They reminded me that every experience counts, whether I get the job or not.

“What I really appreciate about YG is how they focus on building relationships over time. The people there are fantastic—well-trained, experienced, and genuinely caring. As I built trust with them, I gained the confidence to tackle challenges I wouldn’t have dared before.”