PHOEBE’S 
STORY
PHOEBE’S 
STORY
I couldn’t believe it was Phoebe. I’d never seen her like that before, so 
confident and happy. It meant everything to see her find her voice.” She 
added, “I’d never, in a million years, expect her to get up singing,I actually 
cried. We’ve struggled for so long to find somewhere Phoebe felt safe and 
could just be herself. Wigan Youth Zone has given her that. The staff have 
been incredible, they’ve given her 100% and built that trust with her, especially 
Hannah who went out of her way to support her. It’s made such a difference 
to our whole family, we finally feel like Phoebe has somewhere she belongs, 
and we’re so lucky to have this in Wigan.
When nine-year-old Phoebe first attended our junior session at Worsley 
Hall, it was a huge step for her and her family. Living with Autism, ADHD 
and Selective Mutism, Phoebe had struggled to access community spaces 
that felt safe and accessible. Social situations were overwhelming, and 
outside of school and family life, she rarely felt able to engage. This had a 
lasting impact not only on Phoebe, but on her whole family.
With the support of her family support worker and a calm, nurturing 
environment, Phoebe was given the time, patience and consistency she 
needed to feel safe. Gradually, she began to build trust in staff and the 
space around her.
By her third session, Phoebe’s progress was remarkable. She was 
beginning to communicate with staff, engage with other young people, 
and in a moment that truly captured her transformation, she stood up and 
sang K-Pop Demon Hunters in front of the group. 
After watching the video, mum said: 
Phoebe now attends regularly and continues to thrive. With support from 
trusted staff, she has grown in confidence not only in sessions but at home 
and school, even standing in front of the whole school to accept an award.
Phoebe’s journey shows the life-changing impact of safe spaces, trusted 
relationships and dedicated support, not just for young people, but for 
their families too.
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