Georgie's Story: Finding Her Voice and Her Independence

Georgie had been out of education for some time, with the disruption caused by Covid19 adding further challenges. Although she wanted to return to her studies and eventually become independent, anxiety made taking those next steps difficult. She was also using cannabis daily and needed support to gradually reduce this in a way that took her wider wellbeing into consideration.

What Georgie wanted most was a safe, stable environment where she could express difficult emotions without judgement and begin working towards the future she wanted.

Support

From the beginning, the team at Gales took the time to understand Georgie as an individual. She was articulate about her needs and goals and had a strong understanding of her emotions, but there were times when she could feel unheard or find it difficult when situations did not go as expected. The team gave Georgie a safe space to express how she was feeling without judgement, while working alongside her to navigate difficult situations, make positive choices and prepare for greater independence.

Consistency was important, having reliable adults around her and developing relationships she could trust gave Georgie the security to be vulnerable and gradually step outside her comfort zone. Over two years, she built strong relationships with the team and developed a close, sibling-like bond with another young person at the home. She also reconnected with friends from primary school, helping her rebuild important relationships outside the home.

As Georgie became more comfortable expressing difficult emotions and working through challenges with the team, there was a steady reduction in incidents involving anger or leaving the home without agreement. For several months before she moved on, there were no incidents, reflecting the progress she had made during her time at Gales.

As Georgie began preparing for greater independence, she became involved in the Housing Project, which helps young people develop the confidence and practical skills needed for adulthood and life beyond care. Although she was initially reluctant to take part, once she began attending, she flourished. She went on to become an ambassador for the project, travelling across the country and speaking in front of large groups of professionals. What had once been well outside her comfort zone became one of her biggest achievements and showed just how much her confidence had grown.

Looking Ahead

Georgie left Gales around three months before her 18th birthday, having developed important life skills and made significant progress towards the independence she had wanted for herself.

Her journey saw her develop greater confidence and independence, stronger relationships, increased stability and valuable skills for her future, she had found a place where she felt genuinely listened to and supported.

The relationship Georgie built with the team continued beyond her time at Gales. Staff visited her after she moved on, including taking presents for her 18th birthday, and were delighted to see that she was doing well. Georgie had also achieved another milestone by stopping her cannabis use.

Georgie’s journey shows the difference that stability, consistency and the right support can make. From arriving at Gales needing a safe and secure environment to developing the skills and confidence to take her next steps towards independence, her story is one of real growth and achievement.