"I’ve learnt a lot through having a safe space to learn more about my own practice and still go on as a performer. That’s something that is great about Creative Youth Network, they allow people like me to see our progression and give us a stake in what they’re doing." Read more
"It was the accessibility of Creative Youth Network that has helped me the most. It’s allowed me to have conversations with professionals who have made a difference to Bristol. That makes me feel my work is valid and worth listening to." Read more
“The arts have brought me back to life. Having had cancer and mental health issues, being able to create through the arts was vital to keeping me going.” Read more
After moving to Bristol just before Covid-19, Kyle felt extremely socially isolated and had no confidence to leave the house. After working with a CYN youth worker, he was referred to West of England Works to help with his future prospects. Read more
After Sarah, age 17, had a bad experience with drugs, she developed social anxiety and was terrified of leaving her home. She bravely sought help for her mental health through Vitaminds. Through video calls and counseling at CYN, she has began to socialise with friends again and studied again after missing out on her GCSEs. Read more
Taking steps to be your authentic self is intimidating, having a youth worker there to support them regardless of their situation, can be beneficial to a young person’s future and help them reach their potential. Read more
Luca became socially isolated due to Covid-19 lockdowns, he lacked confidence and self-belief. He was struggling with a chaotic home life, mental health and the stresses of being NEET, (not in employment, education or training). Read more
Creative Youth Network supported Lexi through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to combat the symptoms of depression and low self-worth she had been experiencing, helping Lexi to develop healthier habits and a positive self-image. Read more
My youth worker has helped me to think about my future and visiting Aston Martin was a real highlight. I have taken part in a number of Creative Youth Network trips and my attendance and sense of worth at school has increased meaning I feel more hopeful for my future. Read more
A year ago, when I first met Brady, he had struggled with education as a result of his difficulty focusing and with social interactions, associated with his Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He aspired to go to university, but attempt to apply through UCAS the year before were put on hold as they struggled to manage their impulsive behaviour. Read more
Leon was referred to Janet, our Targeted Youth Worker because the school had concerns around Leon’s cannabis use and his mum has had a history of addiction to prescription pain killers. Read more
"Hetty helped me realise what I wanted to do in life. She listened to my interests, and we talked through how I could go about getting a qualification in security." Read more
I’ve learnt about how to channel my frustration which is caused by my anxiety. For the first time I can see light at the end of the tunnel and the future doesn’t terrify me like it did before I started speaking to Rebecca. Read more