Milo is 19 and has really struggled with his mental health – his story demonstrates the power of effective participatory work with young people.

In the past it was dark for me – I only went out once a month and I didn’t have any hope or aspirations. Things got progressively worse – I had three hospital admissions for my mental health, I went missing and I was picked up by the police. I was about 16 and I was debating if I wanted to live.

With help I feel like I am now at a point where I can take ownership of the past and distance myself from those feelings. I can use it for better rather than erase it from my head, I can use my experience to help others. As a young trainer I like sharing my experiences and helping people. I really enjoy the collaboration with other young people too.

Openly speaking about my experiences makes me realise that I am out of those times, I am capable of doing certain things. It has given me enthusiasm and motivation to do things I thought I couldn’t do.

These stories are based on the experiences of the young people we work with and have been created by them. Names and identifying information have been changed or removed.