REAL LIFE STORIES
AVA – CASE STUDY
AVA CASE STUDY
Described as having a lovely smile, a 21 year old who experienced childhood trauma, bereavement and a late diagnosis.
MENTORED
BY GEORGIA
Background
Ava was referred by her parent following a recommendation from the Job Centre. Adopted as a baby, she was placed with her older siblings after being removed from her birth family. Her childhood trauma, together with a later diagnosis of Autism and Developmental Language Disorder, meant that education was often challenging. At the age of 19, Ava also experienced the bereavement of a close family member.
These experiences contributed to poor mental health and increased social isolation.
Mentoring
Ava and her mentor spent their first session getting to know each other, with support from her mum. Ava's main goal was to get out of the house more and build friendships with other young people her age.
Following their first session, she attended a bowling activity run by the charity, where she met other young people, shared lunch with them, and stayed for the entire event. Exploring new activities and spending more time out of the house had a positive impact on her confidence.
“I have become less nervous with interacting with people I don't know.”
Ava
Where are they now?
Ava regularly attends Life Chance Trust activities and is an engaged member of the group. Although she was invited to this year's residential, she decided she wasn't quite ready, but has already expressed interest in attending next year. Through Life Chance Trust, Ava has also developed a strong friendship with another young person, and they continue to keep in regular contact.
