Young Advisors

Vicky Haigney – Young Researcher for Life Chance Trust

“I’m currently in my final year of studying towards an Economics degree, whilst working full-time as an economist in the Civil Service. When presented with the task of writing a dissertation, I was at a loss for what to focus my research on. After meeting to learn more about Life Chance Trust and its mission, I was inspired by the Trust’s commitment to helping vulnerable young people and empowering them to lead happy, healthy, and safe lives. I felt my research project could be a great way to support the charity by contributing to their evidence base and reviewing some of the existing literature. 

For my dissertation, I have proposed to look at the impact of permanent exclusions on pupil’s labour market outcomes, for example their income or whether they become dependent on benefits. I will then investigate how the impact of being permanently excluded changes when a pupil attends post-16 education or training, such as that offered by Life Chance Trust. This will hopefully show how the Trust can improve the outcomes of vulnerable young people by enabling them to develop their skills in a safe and supportive environment. While the results of my research are not yet final, as a Young Researcher I look forward to working with the wonderful staff at the Trust to support its cause and make a positive impact on the lives of young people. ”

Jessie – I’ve struggled with ACES and became locked into a spiral of doubt, anxiety and self-harming behaviours. After 5 years of hard work & self-help I’m extremely proud of my journey and the individual I have become. I want to encourage people in the same position I was in to keep fighting and to never give up. I want to help people to love themselves and believe in themselves and know that nothing is impossible.

Taylor – In 2021, I worked on a research project about youth violence and how it affects our community, through this I met some of the Life Chance team and was fascinated by how they were working with trauma experienced young people. I now work as an LSA at School for Inspiring Talents and have moved on to a research project about parental imprisonment.  I struggled to engage in education and this led me to participation work with CAMHS and other youth services, I really wanted to use my experience to make the journey through education and beyond easier for young people in the future. In joining the Life Chance Trust as a young advisor I hope to help shape the services they offer in order to transform the lives of young people who have struggled with trauma

Ciara – I was in foster care from the age of 3 and experienced a range of ACEs both in and out of foster care. I have now aged-out of care and supported living and live with my partner and dog Laika.  My mentor has been a constant in my life in the past 10+ years when everything else was changing – whether foster placements, schools or jobs, he was always there to help me.  At the moment I work for the heritage fund but will soon be attending university to study childhood and youth development. In the future I’d like to still work within the charity sector and hopefully foster children.

Luella – I experienced traumatic experiences throughout my childhood. Struggling with undiagnosed ADHD and an all-round indifference to the rigid, unsupportive mindset and structure, I never found my place in mainstream education. At 12 I attended Plymouth School of Creative Arts and was opened up to a completely new way of thinking and learning. In this environment, my voice was finally heard and I was part of a growing community through which I flourished emotionally. Without this experience I would not have had the opportunity to develop the confidence, openness, strong intuition and emotional intelligence and that I have today.
Through joining the Life Chance trust as a young advisor, I aim to share wisdom from my own struggles and understanding to support the services provided to young people. I am excited to build and grow with this newfound community and help make a difference to young people’s lives.

Robin – I’m a 20 year old student who works in Film Production, music and various creative pursuits. I believe that I was given many chances throughout my childhood to become a better person and heal from traumatic experiences, which is responsible for a desire I have to create similar welcoming and positive spaces for young people who are going through turbulent times.