Lauren’s Story

Lauren’s Story: Finding Hope and Independence 

Trigger Warning 

At Lauren’s request, we are including a warning that this story mentions mental health challenges, self-harm, and suicide. If you find these topics distressing, please consider whether to continue reading and ensure you have support available. Support information is provided at the end of the story. 

Early Challenges and Finding Support 

Lauren was taken into care at age 10 and moved between several foster families before entering supported accommodation at 18. The sudden move left her feeling abandoned and alone. Having already experienced significant trauma, her mental health reached a breaking point during this time, she describes it as “horrific,” involving frequent hospital visits and an overwhelming sense of hopelessness. 

Lauren first connected with 1625 Independent People in 2018 through the MAPS and Future 4 Me projects. Her support worker, Emmy, provided consistency and care when life felt most chaotic. “Having that regular person really helped me keep going,” Lauren shared. 

One of the most life-changing moments came when Emmy supported Lauren to adopt her dog, Bonnie. Having Bonnie gave her purpose, comfort, and a sense of stability during her recovery. Lauren was an incredibly dedicated and caring owner- Bonnie lived with her until she passed away in 2024, and the bond they shared played a huge role in helping Lauren heal and grow in confidence. “I know I wouldn’t be here anymore if I hadn’t got her,” she said. 

 

Building Independence and Stability 

After Future 4 Me, Lauren began working with the Reboot West project in 2020. This new stage of support focused on helping her build stability, confidence, and independence but most importantly, it was about learning to trust again. 

At first, Lauren found it difficult to connect with her new worker, still carrying the weight of past experiences. Over time, their persistence, care, and consistency helped her feel safe enough to open up. “At the start, I really didn’t like my worker,” Lauren recalled, “but they stuck with me, and that made all the difference.” 

With their support, Lauren was able to move into a new home where she finally felt safe and settled, a home she still lives in today. Reboot West also encouraged her to explore education and employment opportunities. Although her mental health made it hard to take big steps at times, she eventually found a job she enjoyed, which helped build structure and confidence in her everyday life. 

Overcoming Barriers and Reaching New Goals 

In 2022, Lauren began working with Mark, a Mental Health Coach from our Transitions and Resilience service. This marked a new and important stage in her recovery journey, it was the first time she had worked closely with a male practitioner. Because of her past trauma, learning to trust a man was incredibly difficult, but it became one of the most meaningful parts of her progress. 

Building that trust took time, but through patience, honesty, and consistency, Lauren and Mark developed a strong and respectful partnership. Together, they focused on practical goals that would help Lauren gain confidence and independence — most importantly, learning to drive. Mark supported her to apply for funding, prepare for her theory test, and keep going after each setback. “His communication always felt really personal and caring,” Lauren said. 

Through continued support from 1625’s LEAP and Independence Coaching teams, Lauren eventually passed her driving test in 2024, a huge milestone that gave her new freedom, independence, and belief in herself. 

A New Chapter 

Lauren has now stopped using cannabis, continues to manage her mental health positively, and has rediscovered her love for animals. After Bonnie’s passing, she adopted a new companion, Hugo, who now joins her on holidays and countryside adventures, all made possible by her new independence behind the wheel. 

Lauren has even been able to take Hugo to a life drawing class at the same café where she once celebrated passing her theory test, only this time, she was driving there herself. 

 

Looking Forward with Hope 

Lauren’s journey hasn’t been easy, but her courage, honesty, and persistence have transformed her life. From feeling abandoned and hopeless in 2018, she now describes her life in 2025 as “something I’m proud of building for myself.” 

“Since ending her support, Lauren has independently pursued an ADHD diagnosis, which has helped her make more sense of some of her struggles. Despite knowing there are more ups and downs ahead, she feels confident that there are going to be some great opportunities with the right support around her diagnosis.”

She wanted to share her story to encourage other young people to stay hopeful, ask for help, and make the most of the support available. 

“I did the hard work, but I want to thank everyone at 1625 who helped make it possible.” – Lauren 

 

Looking back on Lauren’s journey, her coach Mark shared these words: “I am in awe of the changes Lauren has created in her life. Her journey proves what people are capable of when they are given the right conditions to grow. I’m so proud to have been a part of that. Thank you Lauren.”

If You Need Support 

If you’ve been affected by anything in Lauren’s story, help is available. Please visit our support page. 

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