ENZO, a young person supported by Keys, is using their experience and their voice to help inform the care offered to looked after young people
The young person identifies as non-binary. This was not something Enzo felt they could discuss with their family because of their very strong religious faith. An attempt to confide in an elder in their community failed and this young person was badly bullied at school.
Eventually, given the challenges they were facing, Enzo became a school refused and entered the care system after expressing suicidal ideation with mental health professionals They continued to face difficulties, becoming very militant and extremist in their views on some subjects and accessing worrisome materials.
Since then they have become involved in different initiatives and positive groups. They have become more open to the views of others and has a more balanced view.
Enzo is now using their experiences to support others, acting as one of the young people assisting in rewriting the care regulations in Wales. Through being part of this project, Enzo has met and shared stories with other young people in the care system, something which has been enlightening for them.
They speak very positively about working with other young people to use their experiences in a positive way and is also thriving in other areas of their life. They are undertaking exams, making choices about family contact, independently shopping (something which had never been an option for Enzo before), and making choices.
Enzo is using their voice to influence leaders at the very highest levels of Government and has said to staff: “I’ve done a bl**dy good job and I feel quite proud!”. As well they might.
