REAL STORIES, REAL IMPACT
At Make Life Kind, we believe every young person deserves a chance to rewrite their story. Through workshops, speakers, and one-on-one support, we’ve helped countless young people face challenges, make positive changes, and find a brighter path.
Read the stories of young people whose lives have been transformed. These are their words, their journeys, and their hopes for the future.
CASE STUDY: BEN, AGE 15
“Before Make Life Kind visited, I felt like I didn’t belong. I was nervous all the time and didn’t know how to talk to my friends or family about how I was feeling. I was scared they’d judge me or just not understand.
In the workshops, for the first time, I felt like someone actually got it. They didn’t judge me, and they helped me understand it was okay to feel the way I did. They even helped me find the words to talk to my parents. At first, they didn’t really get it, but the team showed us how to have proper conversations, and now they’re way more supportive.
I even opened up to a few friends, and that helped me feel less alone. It’s like the weight of hiding everything is gone. Now, I feel more confident. I can focus on school, hang out with my friends, and not feel like I need to hide who I am anymore.”
CASE STUDY: MIA, AGE 16
“I got involved with this guy who was in a gang, and before I knew it, things started getting serious. He asked me to carry a knife once, and at the time, I thought it was no big deal. That’s just what you do, right?
But then the speaker came in and shared her story about how carrying a weapon destroyed her life, prison, losing everything. Hearing her talk about it so honestly made me realise how dangerous it all was. I could see myself ending up the same way if I didn’t make a change.
Since then, I’ve been trying to focus on what I want for my future. I’ve started leaning on the people closest to me, even though it’s hard. I know I deserve better, and I’m not afraid to ask for help when I need it now. Thanks to Make Life Kind, I’m starting to see a different path for myself.”
CASE STUDY: jake, age 14
“I was in a gang outside of school. That’s just how it is where I’m from. It’s all around, and I didn’t think there was a way out. When the speaker came in and talked about how he ended up in prison because of that life, it really hit me. It wasn’t just some story or choice, it was real. I saw myself in him, and I knew if I didn’t make changes, I’d end up the same way.
Hearing his story got me thinking about what I actually wanted for myself. I started cutting off the people who were dragging me down, and I’m trying to focus on making better choices.
It’s not easy, but I see a future now, something I couldn’t before. I know I don’t have to do it alone, and that’s been the hardest thing to admit. But asking for help has been the first step to turning things around.”
