Annual Review 2009 - Nacro

6
Nacro
Annual Review 2008/09
Building
futures
them to think about the consequences of
what they do.’
Importantly, young people make their own
decision to get involved in the project. They
choose the type of support they want. It
might be help to get back into education,
advice on careers or to improve their family
relationships. The project also gives young
people the chance to talk to someone
in confidence.
Choosing to change
‘One thing I made clear to Stacey at the
beginning,’ says Stacey Riley, ‘was that
I wasn’t there to make any judgement
about her or any part of her life. She was
pregnant and vulnerable. She had people
around her telling her what to do, but what
I was doing was giving her options.’
She helped Stacey to enrol at a centre that
teaches pregnant teenagers and mothers.
It’s an alternative to going back to school.
‘Before I didn’t think about my education,’
says Stacey. ‘But I enjoyed learning at the
centre; it’s totally different to school.’
Stacey also moved out of home and into
a supported housing project for pregnant
women and women with young children.
‘Now I’ve met other people in the same
situation, and some who’ve been in
worse situations,’ she says. Meeting new
people, especially at Nacro, has helped
her change. ‘Before I’d just go ahead and
do things, and get into trouble. Now I think
first; I think about what might happen.’
With Kameron’s future to consider, she
knows that’s essential. ‘I love being
a mum,’ says Stacey. ‘It’s really hard
sometimes, but I get through it because
now I’ve got people to support me.’
Aaron’s view
‘Guidance is what people need
at Stacey’s age. I didn’t have it
and that’s why I did what I did.
It’s important to have that friendly
advice and support. I’ve had it
since I’ve been involved with
Nacro and now I’m on the right
track again.’
Meeting new people
at Nacro has helped
Stacey change her life