Creative, thoughtful and quietly determined, Alexis loves art, science and design. Her sketchbook is rarely far away, and her colourful hair reflects the growing confidence she has developed over the past year.
“She’s owning herself more,” Megan says. “She’s got a bright outlook.”
Alexis was referred to YFS’ Youthlink program by Child and Youth Mental Health Services (CYMHS) during a time when she was experiencing significant mental health challenges. As additional safety concerns emerged, Youth Development Coach Nick worked closely with Alexis and her mum, Megan, helping them navigate each challenge as it arose. Through it all, the focus remained on supporting Alexis to stay engaged with school, her goals and the future she envisioned for herself.
Because Alexis had been away from school for years, returning to the classroom felt overwhelming.
“We just wanted to give her the upper hand a bit,” Nick says. “Very much school was a place of fear.”
Before returning to school, Nick met with Alexis regularly, finding creative ways to help rebuild her confidence. Maths lessons became basketball games at the local park. Learning happened through movement, conversation and connection.
“It was just chucking a basketball and doing times tables,” Nick says.
Youthlink also worked alongside the family through challenges beyond the classroom. The team advocated with service providers, supported safety planning and helped the family access services and work through difficult situations.
“Nick just knew what to do,” Megan says. “He just went in there and told them what we needed.”
For Megan, one of the things that stood out was that Youthlink supported not only Alexis, but the whole family.
“They don’t just work with the kids…. They’ll talk with mum too. It takes that load off.”
Over time, Alexis began to rebuild trust in both herself and the people around her. She started attending excursions, participating in school activities and developing strategies to manage challenges as they arose.
Today, Alexis remains connected to a strong support network, including her psychologist, school wellbeing staff, teachers, Youthlink and her mum. Together, they continue to support her growth, confidence and connection to school.
At the heart of that support is her mum, Megan. She continues to advocate for Alexis, encourage her ambitions and stand beside her every step of the way.
“I’m behind her no matter what,” Megan says.
“She’s made some very good friends,” Megan says. “She’s been able to build those friendships and trust people. That’s been huge.”
One of Alexis’ strengths is her creativity. When she feels overwhelmed, she turns to sketching and art.
“That’s her little technique she’s picked up,” Megan says. “She can just sit there and tunnel into that rather than listening to everything else.”
For Nick, one of the biggest changes has been watching Alexis begin to imagine a future for herself again.
“Now she’s got life ahead of her,” he says.
Alexis is planning to continue through Years 11 and 12. She is exploring future pathways in the arts and is beginning to think about university.
“What am I most excited about for her future?” Megan says. “Just her being whatever she wants to be.”
For Megan, watching her daughter grow in confidence and reconnect with her goals has been remarkable.
“She can be anyone,” she says.
