A woman from Co Down has spoken out about turning her life around from battling a drug addiction to working towards a career as a youth worker in just one year.
Anny Bickerstaff, 24, grew up in a Unionist community in Bangor and faced a number of issues as a teenager, from drug addiction to presenting as homeless at 17 years old.
She moved into a supported living site with other young people who were dealing with complex issues, an environment that made her addiction escalate and caused her to further get involved in risk-taking behaviours.
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Now, after just one year, Anny has completely turned her life around thanks to Directions, a part of community organisation Springboard Opportunities which is funded though the International Fund for Ireland (IFI)’s Personal Youth Development Programme (PYDP).
Moving to Belfast to take part in the Directions programme, Anny said it has allowed her to build on her self-belief and confidence and work hard to make positive changes in her life. She was able to push herself out of her comfort zone and embrace every opportunity the programme had to offer.
Despite all of the personal challenges she faced, Anny's development went from strength to strength and she gained a renewed passion for life. From lacking the confidence to attend the group to successfully achieving her NOCN level 2 in Youth Work, planning and facilitating workshops and even becoming a key member of Springboards Youth Advisory group.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Anny said her involvement in the group has changed her life for the better.
"Before here, all I can really remember is hostel life and my drug life," she said.
"It's given me a good routine in my life. It's kept me up on my feet, it's given me a good direction and it's made me realise what I want to do with my life, I want to be a youth worker. These people have really changed my life around.
"If I didn't do this, I would still be sitting in the house doing nothing, I would still probably be taking drugs."
Anny said she always knew she wanted to help other people but never knew how to go about it. After taking part in the Directions programme, she said everything became clearer.
She added: "I'd always liked helping other people. I was always the one giving, I was never really a taker. Now I just want to help people, as it's really helped me emotionally and overcome a lot of steps.
"I would highly recommend the programme, for someone who wants to turn their life around like its turned mine around. It gives you friends and builds confidence, it gives you good support workers for life, they stick through you when you're in a time of need, they're always there for you."
Many of the young people involved with Directions PYDP project come from a range of challenging backgrounds including paramilitary recruitment, anti-social activity, dealings with the criminal justice system, substance abuse, poor mental health, and a mistrust of statutory institutions.
The Project supports young people on a range of issues helping them develop life skills that foster good relations, build confidence and resilience, which ultimately makes them more employable.
An event held at New City Life , 'Our Lives Our Legacy', examined themes of cultural identity and how the legacy of conflict in Northern Ireland continues to impact young people from disadvantaged communities today. They shared their journey towards a more positive contribution to society as well as the legacy they want to leave behind.
IFI Chairman, Paddy Harte said at the event: “Our PYDP projects provide a uniquely tailored support programme giving young people the means to change the direction of their lives and make a positive contribution to their communities.
“We recognise that the legacy of The Troubles continues to impact many communities. It’s important that we put discussions around identity, ongoing impact, and trauma at the forefront to enable meaningful peace and reconciliation.
"While substantial progress has been made, recent headlines around flags, bonfires and sectarian behaviour demonstrates that deep divisions still remain. However, I firmly believe that projects such as Directions are transforming young lives to help create a shared society.”
The project is currently working with 16 young people who have completed courses, accreditations, and employment. Through the support of Directions, they have increased self-confidence, emotional resilience and have explored how they can contribute positively to their local communities with the skills they have acquired.
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