REAL LIFE: A traumatic event for Grace

Rachel Chwaszcza is a YMCA Norfolk youth and community worker working at three High Schools in the Broadland area, Reepham, Aylsham and Acle. She takes a collaborative approach to tackling the issue of youth homelessness through early intervention and preventative work. This includes taking lessons and offering one-on-one support sessions for vulnerable students.

 

A large proportion of the young people Rachel sees are referred to her because of problems with anger, self-esteem and behaviour.

 

"During the sessions, it soon emerges that there are a large number of deep-rooted problems that are affecting their well-being," said Rachel. "These include teenage miscarriage, family breakdowns, domestic violence and parental abandonment.

 

"Grace is a 15-year-old girl who was referred to me for support, due to recently being subject to violence from both of her parents. Social Services were initially involved and mediated Grace's return to her mother's home. This was a very traumatic event for Grace, and she is now struggling to keep herself in school, with her attendance slipping to just one day in every four.

 

"When I talked to Grace, it emerged that she is really struggling to deal with the events that had occurred, and she has been rejected by her siblings for admitting what had happened to Social Services. She has sofa-surfed in the past and is worried about what will happen when she turns 16, as she feels she will not be welcome to stay at home.

 

"In our sessions, Grace opened up about different issues that are affecting her and has asked for help with them. Together we are going to work on ways to help Grace deal with her problems and discuss the various housing options available to her when she turns 16.”