Ulster Rugby vs Edinburgh

NAME: RICO AGE: 21 LIVES: NORTH BELFAST INCLUDE YOUTH PROJECT: BELFAST TRUST’S EMPLOYABILITY SERVICE & AIMING HIGHER "I recognised that something needed to change because I was hurting everyone around me. I started to believe in myself and Include Youth believed in me, thats what made the di erence. Things have been changing in my life for the better and im really proud." #CAREDAY

#CareDay - 17 TH FEB

I went into care when I was 16 and was placed with a foster family. I found foster care really difficult; so I stayed in my bedroom a lot and just found everything really overwhelming.

I started a college course in plumbing and even though I enjoyed it, I didn’t finish it. Then I moved into supported accommodation and was unemployed for about three years. I got kicked out of school when I was in forth year. I missed a year of school and when I returned and was taught separately from the main classes. I left school with three GCSEs but was definitely capable of getting more qualifications; I think I’m smart enough. I had been experimenting with legal highs around the time and ended up in some trouble. I slept on the street, was in and out of hospital, was in B&B's and on one occasion was remanded into the juvenile justice centre. That whole time was really rough for me and on my family. Before I went on Aiming Higher I was in the house and depressed. I had a difficult family situation, my social life was terrible and I didn’t go out much. Aiming Higher is a partnership project between Include Youth and Business in the Community and they match young care leavers with a business mentor for weekly sessions. We did workplace tours, learned about different jobs and how to apply for them and we did fun activities like bowling and crazy golf too. We had a bit of craic and it gave me more confidence and made me feel happier. My mentor was really pushing me, but it was for my benefit. I could tell he really wanted to help me because he took time over me when I was applying for a job. I now work for the food and beverage team at the

Odyssey and I love it. I sign up for as many shifts as possible. Getting up, getting ready, putting my uniform on and going to work has really helped my mental health too. Earning money is better than relying on benefits and I’m saving up for driving lessons because I want to buy a car, any car. I still get support through Include Youth and they’re helping me get my Essential Skills ICT qualification. They’ve also lined up volunteer work for me at a farm, where I will help during lambing season and in return they teach me how to ride horses. It’s going to be class. Without Include Youth’s help I would still be stuck in a rut. I recognised that something needed to change because I was hurting everyone around me, and I’m proud that things have. The last few years have been mentally draining; but things have been changing in my life for the better. I have a daughter, I’ve a better relationship with my family and things are looking up. I started to believe in myself and Include Youth believed in me, that’s what made the difference. From when I was young I always boxed, I was good at it but got injured when I went into care. I’d love to get back into it. At school I played football, Gaelic, hurling and cross-country running but I’d love to try rugby. It’s always been something I would like to do. I’ve never been to a rugby game, but I would like to go. Perhaps see Ulster play Leinster or something. I watch most Ireland games when they’re on TV but I’m more of an All Blacks fan (secretly).

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