A Sanctuary for the Community: Bushra’s “Ours” Story

When you don’t feel like you belong, it’s easy for young people to find that feeling in the wrong settings. But the Greenhouse Centre community is somewhere you’ll always feel welcomed, and you’ll find people you make a connection with.

Hi, I’m Bushra, a counsellor with Place2Be, and I’ll be at the Greenhouse Centre for a couple of evenings a week, supporting the young people.

Through my work, I’ve noticed many trends in young people’s mental health. Especially within the local community, things can get tough financially, and that can impact young people in so many negative ways. Some resort to harmful methods of expressing themselves, hoping that it helps them release some of those uncomfortable feelings.

I’ve noticed that school avoidance is also a massive thing. They’re trying to run away from places that make them feel unwelcome, but when they’re not in school, there’s always the concern of where they are, what they’re doing and who they’re with.

When I think about the presence of Greenhouse in the community, I want to call it a sanctuary. The Centre provides a place where the young people can go after school and they can feel safe, and their parents will know they’re safe.

With so many things happening in the Centre, there’s always something for everyone to engage with to create a positive environment. You’ll also find someone who’s like you, who might have been through similar experiences, and you can talk to for advice or support.

I’d say to everyone, just come and try it. If you try it and you decide it’s not for you, that’s okay. But there’s no judgement here. It’s a safe space for you to feel seen, heard and understood.