“I felt really angry and upset. I didn’t want to be around them”

I was referred by the school after I hit another pupil. I knew I was getting more and more stressed and out of control because of people bullying me for no reason. I took my anger out on my mum, shouting at her, sometimes pushing her when I felt really angry. I would punch holes in the walls, harming myself. My relationship with mum had always been close so this was causing real problems for us both.

Things with my dad and younger half siblings were also difficult – after he and mum split up it seemed like he had a better relationship with his other children. I felt really angry and upset about this. I didn’t want to be around them.

After working with Conflict Resolution Team – having mediation and support I was able to understand why I was feeling angry and how to deal with my emotions. I was able to talk to mum more calmly about what was happening.

Also, during a holiday with my dad and my brothers I found I got on better with them all. I realise he does care about me too.

At school, people would still try to wind me up by shoving me or trying to trip me up but in support we spoke about how I could deal with this more calmly.

Working with Cyrenians has been a great experience. I am not getting over my anger but I have learned to control it which has helped me as a person.

I now know how to deal with certain problems such as people who bully – I need to just practice the skills now!

For 50 years Cyrenians has journeyed with thousands of people like Nicholas in tough realities, helping them transform their own lives for themselves, but there is still much to do.

Please donate to support our continued work in this, our 50th year.