Our Stories:
Meet Dilan

Meet Dilan from Reestablish

“I started coming to the youth sessions here when I was 7. Around 18, I started volunteering. I left school in year 8, so I didn’t get a chance to finish my GCSEs, but with the help of Jo and Reestablish, I’ve gained a level 3 qualification in youth work. I’m also trained in first aid, safeguarding, boxercise, fitness and working with kids with challenging behaviour. I’m quite qualified now which I’m massively happy about. 

There are things that you’re open to on the estate, like violence, drug dealing and shoplifting. Having a safe place like Reestablish to come to really helped me. It gave me someone that I could trust, who would help get me on the right path. That’s hard to find, and I’m really glad I found it. Only lord knows where I’d be without it. 

Everybody knows me on the estate, and they’ve seen how I’ve changed my life around. Growing up, it was a real struggle to find something that was regular and consistent within the estate. There isn’t a boxing session around here, so I thought starting boxercise would be a great opportunity for the kids and they all love it. I wanted to take a little bit more responsibility and to build my confidence within youth work, so I thought that was a good idea. So far it’s going brilliantly. 

I feel like I can advocate for the kids around here. I’m really happy they look up to me. It’s a nice feeling, and to see them get involved in things they wouldn’t necessarily get involved in, is just amazing. It brings real joy to my heart.” 

Reestablish empower young people to discover and actively pursue opportunities to develop their potential and positively improve their lives, whilst enhancing the lives of others. They run drop-in’s, mentoring and community support, group work, trips, holiday camps and expeditions. Leeds Community Foundation funding has supported a range of their activities, including holiday clubs and work on the organisation’s strategic development.

If you want to play your part in supporting brilliant local Community Organisations like Reestablish, learn how you can support us, or reach out at info@leedscf.org.uk.