We want to create a safe space for teenagers and young people to grow their resilience to societal pressure and create realistic solutions to their economic hardship.

In recent years we have witnessed a growing number of teenagers and young people looking for support to cope with increasing levels of anxiety.

Becky and Zeek are part of a group of local teenagers we collaborated with to find out how anxiety has affected their lives and to develop a genuine, workable programme to address the issues they face.

Becky and Zeek

Becky, 18, told us how her anxiety manifested itself through insecurities about her appearance.

"There is so much pressure to be perfect, to look perfect and have everything together. I've struggled with how I look for years which has really knocked my confidence not just socially but in other areas of my life as well. It's a knock on effect."

Becky has struggled with the effects of undiagnosed autism and ADHD throughout her life. Through the support she has received during her time with us, Becky was finally diagnosed at the age of 18; her late diagnosis a stark reflection of the impact savage budget cuts have had on our public services.

Meanwhile Zeek, 17, explained how his anxiety manifested itself as anger and aggression in response to the societal pressure put on men to hide their emotions.

"I was bullied in school and I didn't know how to deal with it. I responded with anger, violence because that was actually more acceptable for a young guy than saying hey, I'm not okay."

Becky and Zeek both approached us at a point in their lives where they felt lost and overwhelmed. Through the emotional and practical support they have received in their time with us they have grown their confidence, developed their skills and built the resilience needed to empower them to cope with the difficulties of modern life.

"I was at a point when everything just seemed too hard, too difficult. The understanding and support I got from Resonate made me realise I am strong, I am capable. It made me realise that I have value and I can do this"

Anxiety in teenagers and young people

Teenagers and young people today have higher levels of anxiety than any other generation before them with 1 in 3 meeting the criteria for an anxiety disorder (ChildMind).

Economic uncertainty, lack of access to health services or employment services and increasing societal pressure to look or act a certain way are all contributors to this national epidemic.

Becky and Zeek are just two of the many teenagers and young people we have welcomed over the years who are in need of support. The stories we hear are at once heart-breaking and heart-warming, disheartening and inspiring. Stories like Becky's and Zeek's, who have each grown tremendously during their time with us and who now want to help others on the same journey, are the reason we keep doing what we do.

The money we raise will pay for:

A dedicated space within Resonate where teenagers and young people can meet every week for 6 months to socialise, build resilience and support each other in finding solutions.

Individual and group training to support teenagers and young people in developing their skills and talents to increase their economic potential.

Practical support, encouragement and compassion from our volunteers - participants will be welcomed into the Resonate community and encouraged to utilise the full extent of the creative, positive environment for which we are known.

Please support our cause and help teenagers and young people like Zeek and Becky to build a better future for themselves.