With a few weeks to go until the UK votes for its next government, YMCA has released its manifesto calling on political parties and candidates to deliver a new era for youth, with policies tailored to give each young person the opportunity to live their best lives.

I wanted to be strong for my family and I supported my mum as much as possible. I didn’t want to lose the family I had left, so I put a brave face on and acted as if I was okay – I really wasn’t.

For as long as I can remember mental health has always impacted my life in a major way. With the help and support from my amazing YMCA family, my home church and an incredible organisation called Mercy UK, I was able to turn my life around.

From an early age, I’ve struggled to fit into a group, others saw me as a bit ‘weird’. My mental health was at its lowest a few years back when my anxiety was at its peak and my confidence at its lowest. I was afraid of being judged, of not being good enough. I kept comparing myself to others.