A teenager who "had no life" and would not leave his home due to severe social anxiety has "turned his life around".
Up until the age of 15, Joshua Morgan would stay in his room alone and had few friends.
But the now 17-year-old, from Birkenhead, has overcome agoraphobia and social anxiety with the help of a local community centre.
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He has now started his own business venture, owning Wirral Disco Hire and Entertainments, and is urging people to not be defined by their fears.
He told the ECHO: "Do your best to get out there and have a go at everything, take the opportunity whilst it's there. Don't let your anxiety define you."
Joshua also offers children's parties, with a fun disco and entertainment package, and although he is becoming very successful — this is something that was unimaginable a couple of years ago.
Agoraphobia is a fear of being in situations where escape may be difficult, according the the NHS.
Many assume agoraphobia is a fear of open spaces but people may actually be afraid to leave their home, visit shopping centres or travelling on public transport.
The teenager's social anxiety grew worse over the years and the future looked particularly "bleak" when the pandemic began, bringing on isolations and worries over restrictions.
Joshua said: "Until only a couple of years ago I was in a very dark place and I was stuck in a rut.
"All I’d do was stay in my room, play computer games and listen to music because I was very self conscious and worried what people would think of me. I’d never go out because I had anxiety that people were talking about me. I had no life really."
Josh's parents became very concerned and "tried everything they could" before finally convincing him to attend the social supermarket at Building Bridges Community Centre.
Dad Billy added: "Our Josh is such a lovely, nice natured and talented lad and it was so frustrating to see him staying in all the time doing nothing with his life.
"I’ve been involved in Building Bridges and it really is a fantastic service with great people, offering support to people in the community, so I thought bringing Josh along would help build his confidence."
Joshua’s father convincing him to go along that day proved to be a decision that would change his life forever and he "went from strength to strength".
Building Bridges owner Michelle Bridge, said: "Josh was such a quiet and shy lad, nervous and unsure of himself. I knew Billy was concerned about him so I really wanted to help Josh overcome his anxieties.
"I gave him lots of attention, spent time with him and after a little while asked him to help out with some of the things here — starting with odd jobs and things that needed fixing. The rest, as they say, is history."
Slowly but surely, Joshua came into his own and decided to pursue his passion for music and entertaining.
Speaking of his new found confidence, Joshua said: "I’m a completely different person now to what I was up to the age of 15. I knew I had talent and had a brain but I had no motivation, the social anxiety and insecurities took over me.
"I am so happy that my Dad convinced me to go to Building Bridges that day and I’m so grateful to Michelle for giving me her time, love and the opportunity to get involved there.
"I’m studying hard in college and would like to one day have my own electrical company but with the way the DJing and entertainment business is going who knows, I could end up doing both.
"I enjoy making people happy and getting them up dancing, making people’s special occasions memorable. I love the kids parties too and helping the shy kids get up as I know what it was like when I had no confidence."
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