Thanks to you and Youth Moves I have found my reason to live and now I know how much I am worth. I finally feel happy about myself and my life."

Youth work can often be tough, and there are days when you feel you aren't making much progress.

But every now and again, something happens, a magical moment, a realisation of the real impact we can make.

We had one of these moments recently.

A message was sent to youth worker Laura, with a gift, from a young person we have been working with from Bedminster Down school. Lily handmade an amazing cushion with the Youth Moves logo embedded on it, all by herself which was truly brilliant. But it was her words that touched us, that even drew some of the staff close to tears.

It read: "If I didn't talk to you or Paul or other members of Youth Moves I really don't know what I would have done. Your advice and support has helped me through my problems, my depression and my bad thoughts about myself and my life.

Lockdown has been one of the hardest things I have had to go through especially with my mental health as well. You and Youth Moves have helped me get better and helped me to stand up against my battles with life and I am so grateful for it.

Thanks to you and Youth Moves I have found my reason to live and now I know how much I am worth. I finally feel happy about myself and my life."

Truly taken aback by this Laura responded with: "I felt a bit shocked, and didn't know how to react at first. I was overwhelmed, I usually cry at everything but I was just overcome with a sense of feeling good about the difference we can make.

But I can't take all the credit. I think she's just grateful for the work over the years and especially during lockdown. She didn't have much contact with people so she appreciated us being there. 

CEO Ali Dale was also struck by it, and said: "I literally have goosebumps reading this! Great feedback and what a thoughtful present!"

Sometimes youth work is so rewarding and this was one of those golden moments.

Laura reflected: "When someone truly shows you the difference we make, it not only makes you feel good, but reminds us of why we do what we do."

We would like to thank Lily for the amazing gift, and thoughtful and kind words, it means a lot to us. Youth matters, and now more than ever.