Start up: Finding comfort, confidence and creativity
Sometimes, small changes can make a huge difference. One of our students recently shared how our Start Up grant has positively impacted their wellbeing, confidence, and creativity.
Before receiving the support, the student shared that they had never felt comfortable sleeping in their own room. “I don’t know why, but I never slept in my own room,” they explained. With the grant, they were able to buy items that made the room feel like their own, creating a space where they feel safe and comfortable.
This newfound sense of security has sparked a return to activities the student loves but hadn’t done in years. “I grabbed materials like cardboard, glue, and paint and started making a shark, 4 feet, 3 inches long! I haven’t done any crafts for a really long time, but now that I have a nice room, I feel like doing crafts again. I can’t wait to see the finished shark. Then I might attempt an Orca.”
Even family members have noticed the change. “My mum said she can tell I’m a lot happier than I was even a week ago,” they shared.
Looking ahead, the student is thinking about ways to continue their journey toward wellbeing. “I would like to do something that involves animals because I love animals; they make me feel happy and relaxed.”
In their own words, they expressed gratitude to the program’s funding partners:
“I was feeling really depressed and down. After receiving the grant money, I was able to buy some things I really needed. This helped my mood, made me happier, and got me doing crafts again, which I love but haven’t done in a really long time because of my depression.”
This story is a wonderful reminder of how small, thoughtful support can help young people feel safe, regain confidence, and reconnect with the things they love.
Help more students to take charge of their wellbeing, create a safe space for themselves and build confidence.