Leann’s Story

How Has The Connect Centre Changed My Life?

“Well before The Connect Centre my life didn’t mean nothing and thought it was quite meaningless I had no friends nowhere that truly wanted me nowhere I felt safe other than home and I had no relationships to anyone outside of my family.

My other daycentre and education settings gave up on me didn’t want me I was too hard work and hurt/punished me when really I just needed that one person and place that would take the time to understand me and that I was not in fact “bad”, “hard work”, “useless”, “lazy” and that place is The Connect Centre.

They gave me a chance and took the time and patience to understand me but not only understand me but also made me believe I have a life worth living and have purpose.

I will forever be grateful to The Connect Centre but more importantly the staff at The connect Centre because without the staff and students at The Connect Centre that place is just a building but they make it a home, a happy place to be somewhere that makes you feel warm inside and at ease.

I truly believe The Connect Centre is like one big loving family everyone will go over and beyond to make sure our needs are met but also that we are happy.

The Connect Centre has made me realise I am not a bad kid or someone who was withdrawn, mostly mute and in there own world.

I was in fact a person with a great sense of humour, love to laugh, am kind and go out of my way to help anyone, care about everyone and lots of other things including I am a cheeky monkey and for that I have The Connect Centre to thank.

The Connect Centre has shown and taught me that it’s okay to trust and build relationships with people and they wont hurt or leave me, my emotions are valid all of them and when they recognised and when I display/talk about them I am listened to but also made to feel heard and I feel so safe to show the emotions and be myself, that I am in fact capable of learning and with the right support and fun, I am respected here as the same as everyone else we are all loved and feel wanted and have a sense of belonging,

Its a very happy/warm place full of laughter and kindness. And for the first time in my life since joining The Connect Centre 2years ago I look forward to waking up in the morning and am excited to go somewhere that is safe, understands me, see my friends and learn and have fun.

My life means something now and that is thanks to The Connect Centre I belong here. 🙂