Taybah is 16 years old, has just started studies at her local college and attends YMCA Coventry and Warwickshire’s Foleshill Girls Open Access Provision.

Before Taybah attended any sort of youth group, her self-esteem was pretty low due to depression and isolation from peers. Growing up, Taybah experienced and witnessed a lot of domestic violence, as well as being victim to verbal and emotional abuse – she worked with a group called Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC) who YMCA Coventry and Warwickshire work closely with.

“Before I attended any sort of group my self-esteem was pretty low, having just come out of my depression. Growing up I had experienced and witnessed a lot of domestic violence and well as verbal and emotional abuse. The girls group that I am currently attending also allowed me to make new friends and keep in touch with members from the Flourish group as well as chill out”

From this programme, Taybah was then referred to YMCA Coventry and Warwickshire where she took part in the Flourish programme for three weeks. This programme allowed Taybah to get out of the house for the summer, experience new things, make new friends and help her become more vocal about her opinions – all which gave Taybah the opportunity to embrace her personality.

Now at her local YMCA, Taybah attends a weekly Girls Group. She has been given the opportunity to acquire a sports leader qualification as well as being involved in a multitude of projects.