My parents broke up just after I was born.
I went to live with my Dad, and he married another woman. She was very manipulative and didn’t like me, so I moved back to live with my Mum when I was four years old.
My Mum had a new boyfriend. Me and my siblings were neglected and Social Services got involved. I then went back to live with my Dad.
Again, we were emotionally and physically abused. My older sibling was the main victim of the abuse, but then the attention moved to me. We met another social worker and were then taken into foster care.
After a while, we were taken back to live with my Dad and his wife. The abuse continued; me being the main victim, then my younger sibling.
I met another social worker and opened up about what it was like living at home. I was introduced to a foster family with my younger sibling. It didn’t take long for me to realise that this family were manipulating me and crushing my aspirations and dreams.
Nine social workers later and a lot of comings and goings, living with different people/friends/family and within foster care... my life changed significantly.
I now feel enthusiastic and empathetic towards people. I feel encouraged to learn new things and I have no one in my way to stop me from reaching my goals.
With the amazing couple I am staying with, and the other kids in placement that have gone through tough stuff, it makes me realise that I'm not the only one out there needing help.