When Clara was 14, she found out her mum had depression, and found it difficult to understand why.  Clara also began to struggle with her own mental health.

Luckily for Clara she was able to attend Oasis Youth Centre in Northern Ireland, and their youth volunteering/leadership programme. For Clara, this gave her what she considers a refuge- somewhere safe to talk through her problems; to talk about mental illness and how to help those struggling like her mum. Regular group contact, plus 1:1 support means Clara is now aware of her own triggers, and her coping mechanisms that keep her mental health in check. She also knows better how to deal with her mums struggles too.

Last autumn Clara got anxious about future careers and what next, but she used lockdown to reflect, and go on early morning wellbeing walks, all the while still being able to attend online sessions offered by Oasis Youth Centre.