I dropped out of university and moved back in with my mum, and was shocked at her behaviour. She had completely changed. She would come home and cook for us whereas before, we would always have to fend for ourselves. She started speaking not shouting. She would even clean up for me. I started to see her caring about us. She would come to talk to me and say ‘Hi, how are you?’ I thought ‘My God, what is happening to my mum? When she invited me to go to church with her, I had no qualms about accepting. I thought to myself, ‘I’m going to this place to see what they are doing with my mum.’

The first time I went, I took part in a strong prayer with the rest of the congregation. I felt so good afterwards. It was strange, but for the first time I felt OK within myself. I didn’t need weed or alcohol or a man to feel good. It felt good simply being me.

I was invited to the Victory Youth Group and this helped me a lot. The youths were so different… positive… and they were younger than me! They would say that everything is possible and I even started wanting to return to university

I soon experienced dramatic changes in my life. The depression and violent tendencies left, I stopped the destructive lifestyle and even went back to university and finished my degree.

Now I have a BA Hons in English and Primary Education and teach in a Primary school in Willesden. I also met someone in church - a man of God - and today I’m married and it’s fantastic.

My relationship with my mum is great and we’re really good friends.

Leena Pacquette,
Willesden Green

Life can be different if you take charge and decide to make things different. Speak to a spiritual counsellor at your local UCKG or call the 24 hour helpline on 020 7686 6000 now to help you get started.