The Power2 programme facilitators were incredible. They genuinely changed my life.
Laiba’s experience on Teens and Toddlers played a huge role in her growth as a person and sparked her passion for mentoring young people and advocating for mental health.
Laiba reflects on her experience below.
“When I was referred to Teens and Toddlers in 2018, it was a very turbulent time for me. I was going through a lot, including dealing with the split of my parents.”
“At school, I was skipping lessons and disrespecting my teachers. My behaviour reflected the fact that I had low self-esteem and low confidence. I didn’t love myself and I didn’t understand why I deserved self-care. I also didn’t believe I was capable or good enough to be in lessons.”
“On the programme, I was paired up with a toddler mentee who struggled with shyness and confidence, just like I did. At first, my mentee wouldn’t speak in class but with my support she began to find her voice.”
“One day, the class teacher asked a question and my mentee answered it. That was the first time they’d answered a question in class so that was a real ‘wow’ moment for me. I was so proud that I’d helped someone do that. My mentee and I were unknowingly helping each other.”
“At the end of the programme, the children in the nursery told me that they didn’t want me to leave, and I remember thinking, ‘if these children can see something special in me, why can’t I see that in myself?’ It was a realisation that shaped who I am today.”
“The Power2 programme facilitators were incredible too. They genuinely changed my life. They never gave up on me and that’s such an amazing feeling when the world is giving up on you but there are two people that you know will keep trying.”
“After Teens and Toddlers, I did my GCSE’s and I got good grades. I then went on to sixth form and after that to the University of Manchester to study psychology.”
“Alongside studying, I became involved in advocacy and mentoring young people, and I’ve worked with several mental health charities.”
“I was also recognised by my borough for my advocacy work and received an Honorary Freewoman award.”
“Through mentoring, I’ve helped people to understand their feelings, and to live life to the fullest, teaching them that healing is possible.”
Laiba’s former Programme Lead, Lynne, said:
“At the start of Teens and Toddlers, Laiba would say ‘I’m not worthy’ but by the end of the programme she would say ‘I am worthy’. This change was huge for Laiba and it’s inspirational to see how much she’s grown since. She’s a remarkable young woman.”
Going from mentoring toddlers when I was younger to mentoring people now feels like a full circle moment. It’s what I was destined to do all my life.
