Starting high school should be a time of discovery and growth, but for Mia, it was a time of anxiety, isolation, and bullying. Struggling to find her voice and her place among peers, her confidence and schoolwork began to suffer. Feeling isolated and disconnected, Mia’s path could have easily continued downward—until she found a safe environment to develop skills & meet others her own age.
Her mother encouraged her to attend the Sutton Youth Club, a community programme supported by Foundation 92. What began as a reluctant visit turned into a transformative journey.
Sutton Youth Club us free to join for children in the local community and delivers multi-sport activity, social action projects, education learning and development & community support. These clubs, supported by Clarion Futures provide an opportunity for young people play an influential role in their community in a safe and fun environment.
Clarion Futures, which is part of the Clarion Housing Group focuses on funding community projects and helping people find jobs and training, develop digital skills, and manage their money. They provide people with the tools and support to help overcome challenges and fulfil their potential.
At Sutton Youth Club, Mia found more than just structured activities—she found safety, support, and community. Through creative projects, team sports, and social action initiatives, she gradually rebuilt her confidence and began forming genuine friendships. The safe and nurturing environment gave Mia permission to be herself—and that made all the difference.
Today, Mia is no longer the quiet, anxious girl who once dreaded social settings. She is a Community Ambassador at the youth club, a proud leader helping younger members find their footing, just as she once did. Mia’s confidence has grown, and has now become more comfortable engaging with others, even in her school setting.
Mia said: “The youth club has been my safe space. It’s where I can be myself, without judgement. I’ve made so many great friends, and I’ve found the courage to speak up for myself. I feel like I belong now.”
Ricardo Silva, Head of Community Programmes said: “Sutton Youth Club has become a cornerstone of the community—a place where young people feel seen, heard, and supported. We’ve watched incredible transformations take place here. Mia’s journey is just one example of how the right environment, combined with the right support, can empower young people to find their voice, build confidence, and thrive.”
Mia’s story is just one of many. With your support, Foundation 92 can continue creating these life-changing spaces for young people across Greater Manchester.
Help us build more stories like Mia’s. Visit https://foundation92.co.uk/our-work/community-engagement/young-people-programmes/sutton-community-centre-2/ to get involved.
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