A story of finding stability, strength, and self-worth with CALMSS

When this young person was first referred to CALMSS, they were experiencing deep emotional distress. They had been self-harming regularly, disengaged from education, and carried a history of trauma that had left them feeling unsafe, unheard, and disconnected. Trust in professionals was low, and their sense of self had been shaped by years of instability, loss, and shame.

From the outset, we took a relational, trauma-informed approach, meeting them with calm, consistency, and care. Rather than focusing on risk or diagnosis, we focused on presence. They were offered a safe space where their voice mattered, their story was honoured, and their emotions could be expressed without fear of judgement.

Through weekly sessions, we used a blend of therapeutic listening, creative expression, SMART goal setting, and emotional regulation strategies. As trust grew, so did their confidence. With encouragement, they began to consider their future and set small, meaningful goals. Over time, those goals became reality.

Today, this young person is studying full-time on a vocational bricklaying course and working part-time at McDonald’s. They are no longer self-harming. They continue to engage with CALMSS weekly and access outreach services when needed. Most importantly, they have developed a sense of emotional resilience, identity, and self-worth. They describe feeling “more like myself than I ever have before.”

This journey reflects the essence of CALMSS: we do not rush, label, or fix. We walk alongside young people, offering presence, compassion, and the space to rebuild on their own terms.