Platform 51

meet the women we work with

Marie

Marie* is 17. She used to get angry and it got her kicked out of school. She came to Platform 51 which has been, as she says, ‘an epiphany’.

“I’ve been coming to Platform 51 since I was 15. I didn’t get on very well at school, I was misbehaving, playing up in my lessons. I got bullied so I’d bunk off. And then when I did go in, because I’d missed so much work I was behind all the time and I’d get angry. I think the teachers gave up on me. They didn’t enter me for GCSEs or anything. I got kicked out in the end. They suggested I come to Platform 51 because it’s not like school or college, it’s much more relaxed and they’ve got time for me. They listen to me. I’ve done so many courses here!

“I used to lose my temper. I’d pick things up and throw them, I’d shout and swear. I’d punch the walls. I was angry at myself and I’d take it out on other people. I know that’s not fair, but I felt ignored. I got so angry. Since I’ve been here [at Platform 51] it’s a whole new different me. I think before I act. If I have a problem with someone I talk to them about it, I wouldn’t just go off on one and start mouthing off. This place has taught me so much.

“Now, when I think about things in my past, I can work out why it happened and what it means. I’m in control again. But I still have my ups and downs. There have been times when I’ve flipped off here, but the staff help me work out why and it calms me down. I’ve apologised plenty of times! Now I can accept their help and their care. They want me to go far in life and learn stuff. Coming here is like an epiphany – is that the word?

“There’s a new girl who comes here, she kicks off all the time. She reminds me so much of what I was like. I told her: go to school, get counselling, get anger management, get the help you need but trust me, you don’t want to end up like me.

“When I was only 15 I was so drunk and so stoned. I didn’t know what I was doing; I don’t remember having sex. But I got pregnant. That was a real light bulb moment! I was an emotional wreck. I didn’t know how to tell my mum. The staff here said I must tell her. She was angry. I thought, ‘right then girl, time to sort yourself out’. I don’t believe in abortion and I wanted to keep it, but I couldn’t have a baby. Not at 15. I wasn’t ready. Mum came with me to the clinic. When I came round I cried and cried and cried… It was so hard, but it was the right decision.

“I thought no more going out and getting blind drunk and sleeping around, so I got myself tested – all tests were clear – and so now I’m trying to get an education, I want a job, and one day I would like kids of my own. After all what’s happened, I’m determined to make mum proud of me! I’m going to do it right!”

“If I hadn’t come to Platform 51 I’d probably be lying in a ditch. I’d be bored out of my skull, with no education, probably using more and heavier drugs. I go to see a drugs counsellor for help with my drugs. And I try to stay sober.

“I’d recommend this place to the world if it was big enough!”

*Marie is not her real name. On her request, we have changed her name to protect her identity.

Find out how your support can help young women like Marie here.