A teenage schoolgirl's life was turned upside down after she tragically lost her mum because of an aggressive brain tumour.
Georgia Holmes, now aged 15, had nursed her mum Katie through her illness. But after Katie died at the age of just 39, her daughter's mental health began to suffer and she suffered severe anxiety.
The Bootle teenager began skipping school and mixing with the wrong sort of people, leading to anti-social behaviour. Her nan, Sue Johnson, couldn't cope and had to seek outside help.
READ MORE : Schoolboy, 15, who died at Liverpool ONE restaurant named
Georgia's mum was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 and despite two operations, the tumour grew and no further treatment was possible. She died in February 2021.
Georgia said: "I wasn't in a good place after that. I didn't really care and thought whatever happened, happened. My mental health took a real knock.
"Me and my mum were dead close when I was a kid, and you expect your mum to be with you for half your life."
Sue, 62, said: "Georgia was a young carer to her mum but her mental health deteriorated after she passed. Any attention was better than no attention, they were cries for help.
"She was out and wouldn't come home on time, she was hanging around in gangs, the communication was practically non-existent. She was traumatised by what she'd been through."
With Georgia on the verge of going into care, her nan turned to the Everton in the Community charity for help.
Sue, who is now Georgia's sole carer, said: "Georgia was just 10 years old when her mum was diagnosed with a brain tumour – she quickly became a carer for her, helping to look after her, meaning she had to grow up very fast.
"As Katie's condition worsened though, Georgia's behaviour changed as she, understandably, struggled to process what was going on. Following her mum's death, things got worse and, at one point, I felt like I had no other option than to consider her being cared for by someone else for both of our wellbeing.
"That's where Everton in the Community stepped in and were just incredible. Georgia had a dedicated mentor at the charity who would call her to check in on how she was feeling and have face-to-face sessions with her. It was also a lifeline for me too as I knew I could pick up the phone knowing someone would listen and that I wouldn't be judged.
"Thanks to the support of the charity, Georgia and my relationship is stronger than ever – we're moving forward and I'm so proud of her for turning such a huge corner during a time that has been truly devastating for her."
Georgia and Sue shared their story in the hope it would inspire others in need of help to come forward. They were given access to the charity's counsellors, as well as support with food hampers and sign-posting to other mental health services as they grieved for Katie after she passed away in February 2021.
Everton in the Community has now launched a new scheme, iCare, which aims to help young people who are on the verge of being put into care, as well as supporting those leaving the care system.
The programme, which launched at the start of Care Leavers' Week, offers bespoke support for young people who are facing challenges in various aspects of their lives and are at risk of being isolated from their families. It includes sessions focused on self-awareness, emotional resilience and mental health and is free to attend.
It is one of more than 40 programmes delivered by Everton in the Community, which aims to tackle issues such as crime and health, homelessness, housing and education problems.
Carla Brown, programme lead for iCare, said: "Georgia and Sue's story is proof that, with the right support, lives can be changed and turned around and worse case scenarios can be avoided. Georgia worked hard with our team to overcome her worries and anxieties which were driving her behaviour.
"The launch of iCare means we can bring together the various elements of support which we know young people in a similar position so desperately need. We want young people - and their families – to feel comfortable reaching out to us and be able to make positive steps towards their futures."
More information about iCare and Everton in the Community’s other programmes can be found here.
Get the top stories straight to your inbox by signing up to our what's on newsletter
READ NEXT :
Scrambler bike rider suffers serious injuries after crashing into phone box
Son's response to 'no Christmas presents' breaks mum's heart
Prisoner found dead in cell during robbery trial next to 'modified vape'
ITV pulls This Morning from air for breaking announcement
Man grabs rail staff by throat after trying to travel without train ticket
