At LUX Youth Project we are celebrating being a registered charity for 40 years this year (we are a little bit older having started working with young people before becoming a charity!). As part of our celebrations we are wanting to look back at what we have achieved and will be sharing 40 stories about our work over this time.
Story 1: Freja’s Story
I joined Motus Dance Academy aged 14. I remember how nervous I was when I first came along, but by the end of the first session I was struck by the welcome and how supportive Sam Ludwell and the group were. I became a regular and was given opportunities by Sam to choreograph and teach. I loved the family feel Motus provided.
When I struggled with my mental health and questioned if I wanted to keep living and where God was, I was able to talk to the leaders at Motus. The time, non-judgement and care I received from the leaders helped me to gradually move through these mental health struggles, grow in confidence, move closer to God and see a future.
15 years on and I am still just as passionate about Motus, but now I co-lead the project, ensuring I’m there for young people when they are struggling. I work hard to empower each individual in Motus (possibly to be the next leader!), believing in them and supporting them to believe in themselves.
We are so proud that Freja is part of LUX and continues to ensure young people can talk about anything as a family.
Story 2: Girls Night In
A year ago, LUX Youth Project started Girl’s Night In – a group for girls who we’ve mentored and their friends. As Rachel steps back from leading this project and Joanna starts to lead it, the young people wrote to Rachel to say what the impact has been for them in this card:
Story 3: Tara’s Story
When things broke down at home, Tara,* like many young people we meet, had to move homes several times. Understandably this has been hard for Tara and she lived in a few different places before she found somewhere they were comfortable. Moving around, leaving friends behind, being out of school and being away from home were all huge challenges – things no young person should have to face.
Libby, our Community Mentor, spent time getting to know Tara: meeting her wherever she felt comfortable, showing an interest in Tara’s hobbies, dropping a gift round when Tara felt unable to meet up, encouraging her and ultimately being a dependable person amongst the chaos and the change Tara was experiencing.
A year on and Tara is more settled where she is living. With Libby’s support, she is now back in education and attending school regularly for the first time in years. It’s not been plain sailing, but Libby has been there to journey with her through the chaos, championing her, sharing in the sorrows and celebrating the successes.
*Not real name