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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).
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.
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