I was referred to COVEY in my first year of high school. At the time, I didn’t really know what to expect, I just knew I was struggling with things.

I was being bullied at school for being different. I had low self-esteem, ongoing mental health challenges, and a lot of anxiety. I didn’t understand what healthy friendships looked like, and I found it difficult to make and keep my friends.

I’m autistic, and I live with lupus – this is an autoimmune condition that affects my kidneys, lungs, joints, and eyes. These health issues, alongside the everyday pressure of school, often made life feel exhausting.

At home, it’s me and my sister, supported by my mum. Mum lives with a physical disability, and has experiences of anxiety and PTSD. She was already receiving support from COVEY, but at that point, I didn’t realise how important COVEY would become for me too.

When I first joined COVEY’s Airdrie group, I was extremely anxious and very quiet. I mostly just sat alone and watched everyone else. COVEY didn’t push me to talk - they just gave me space and listened when I was ready.

Over time, that consistency made a difference. For four years, COVEY was the only steady support in my life. Other support came and went, but COVEY stayed. They were there for me.

As weeks went by, I started to open up. I was able to talk honestly about being bullied and about how isolated this so often made me feel. Through COVEY, I began to understand what healthy friendships look like, and I gained more confidence, helping me to step back from relationships that weren’t good for me. I learned how to advocate for myself.

COVEY also helped me realise what I was truly capable of. I took part in the Fire Reach Youth Engagement Programme with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, where I learned practical skills like search and rescue, fire safety, emergency response, and basic first aid. It pushed me outside my comfort zone, but it also showed me that I could handle responsibility and challenge.

Later, I was given the opportunity to help run a COVEY group. Being trusted in that way changed how I saw myself. It wasn’t about being in charge, it was about being seen as someone who could contribute and lead.

As my confidence increased, I became more involved at school. I joined science, drama, and improv clubs, and eventually my schedule was so full that Mondays were my only free day! I even took part in school Christmas shows (something I found incredibly difficult) but I kept going because I could see the impact it was having on my confidence and self-esteem.

Over those four years, I also built strong friendships with two people who were part of the same group. We supported each other through similar experiences, and those connections have stayed with me.

COVEY also supported me in understanding my gender. They gave me a safe, non-judgemental space where I could explore who I am and work out that I am trans, at my own pace and in my own time. Having that support meant I didn’t have to hide or rush myself, and it helped me feel confident being open about this part of who I am. I know that visibility matters, and I hope sharing this helps others who might be questioning their gender feel less alone.

Now, I’m studying Level 5 Professional Cookery, learning about menu planning, sustainability, and food hygiene. I plan to continue on to HNC and beyond. My long-term goal is to own my own restaurant (ideally an animal café) combining two things I care deeply about: food and animals!

COVEY gave me a place where I could be myself without fear of judgement. It helped me build my confidence to use my voice and express who I truly am. When I was younger, I would never have been able to talk about my experiences like this. COVEY played a huge part in changing that and helping me become who I am today, someone I’m really proud to be.