Lauren's Story

20-year-old Lauren first met our mentors whilst studying on our post-16 education programme. Lauren went on to achieve the qualification she had been studying with us before leaving to pursue a degree in higher education.

After realising that University wasn’t for her, Lauren recently dropped out and has been struggling for motivation ever since. She didn’t want to get up in the morning and in her own words: “had nothing going for me.”

Because of the relationship our mentors had built with Lauren in the past, they were able to reach out and support her through Head in the Game - our mental health and wellbeing project supported by Mental Health Foundation.

Head in the Game provides early intervention and support for young people aged 8-25. We use the power of Cardiff City FC to support and improve participant wellbeing through bespoke activities based on the needs of those who take part in the project.

“Once I got back in touch with the Community Foundation’s mentors, it was the best thing that’s ever happened to me. It showed me how to understand my emotions, how to tackle any difficulties that come up in my day-to-day life and how to be more financially aware.

“I’ve learnt so much, and I'll be using these techniques going forward. Head in the Game has helped me so much, I’ve been able to find a new job and a new group of friends, so I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported me and got me back to being myself.”