YoungLives Stories

I was 18, had a baby in my arms, and had just moved to a new city. I didn’t know what I was doing, and I didn’t know anyone. Then I found YoungLives, and they welcomed me with open arms.

They became more than just a support group they became family. They saw me, encouraged me, and reminded me that I wasn’t alone in this journey. Through the tough days and the small wins, they’ve been right there beside me.

One of the highlights of all of our year is the chance we are given to go on a special weekend camp. It has been a place to rest, breathe, laugh, and feel completely loved and supported.

In this past year I was invited to become a ‘Peer Mentor’. This role gives me the opportunity to come alongside a younger Mum and support and encourage her in her journey. I have the wonderful privilege to give back to the place that gave me hope, friendship, and faith when I needed it most.

Chelsea (Young Parent)

When I think about the role God has given me and all the other leaders in YoungLives I am reminded of this story we find in 1 Samuel 9.

Our calling is to disciple nations, kings, rulers, inner cities, places no one else wants to go. To shine brightest in the darkest places. The prophet Samuel learned how to disciple kings and sometimes that was by telling them how to find their donkeys!! Saul was looking for his donkeys when he met Samuel. He then went on to be anointed as king....big jump! Samuel began his relationship with Saul by helping with the practical matters of life (earning the right to be heard). We want to bring heaven solutions to the practical matters of life. Helping them find their donkeys is not as crazy at it sounds because sometimes we need to assist them find those first, before we can tell them how to find their destiny.

We have such an amazing opportunity with our girls. The ‘donkey finding” has looked liked helping them make and decorate birthday cakes, sourcing a cot, coaching the writing of a personal statement or being a reference, linking them with organisations who can help with reducing energy bills, clothing, meals, lifts to collect parcels from post offices. For many, having friends, belonging, having a social network of people and support system, these are the practical matters in life they are asking and looking for.

​ And, as we do that, we, like Samuel with Saul, have the incredible opportunity to help them find their destiny also.

I feel incredibly grateful to God for inviting me to participate in this gospel work with Him. We love deeply and it’s very often costly but absolutely worth it.

Rosie (YoungLives Key Leader 2012- present day)

YL has been a life line for me since my eldest was 4/5 months old. I had came out of a tricky situation and as a result of that had severe anxiety and had lost all connection to friends, along with my confidence. I was invited along by another mum who assured me I would feel welcomed instantly. She wasn’t wrong!

For a group of complete strangers to welcome me and my daughter with open arms and give us a safe and loving environment to grow in was amazing. I felt less anxious, more comfortable and relaxed and even started to meet up with the other mums outside of YL. We had so many lovely days out together and made amazing memories that I’ll cherish.

I was lucky enough to be apart of the YL family and had support from the other mums along with the volunteers who offered helpful advice at new and unfamiliar stages to me. They also supported me massively when I had a big life challenge and helped me work through it together. When I had my second daughter I unfortunately ended up with very severe postnatal depression and anxiety again and was not leaving the house much. ​ Once again I came back to YLvs as it felt like home. It was safe and familiar and my extended family again welcomed with open arms and support..

Throughout my time with YLvs I will always be so grateful and thankful for the amazing people who helped me on my journey of being a mummy and healing when I was in a dark place.

Trough YLvs I found myself connected to God again in a new way. As a child and young adult I attended church with my family, but as I grew older I stepped away, never quite knowing how to go back to the comfort I felt there. At YoungLives I realised that comfort could be found in a relationship with Jesus and I now trust God has always had a plan for me and His way is Love.

​ Thank you YLvs for everything you have done for me and my babies x

Nicola (YoungLives Graduate 2025)