Stacey’s Story

Fleming Gardens project worker Donna was invited to an event last month at Chislett Youth & Community Centre, where she was welcomed by an old face Stacey who was a volunteer there. 

Stacey lived at Fleming Gardens 12 years ago when she was pregnant with her daughter. She spoke about all the problems she's had to face along the way and the high`s she has experienced. Read about Stacey's inspiring journey in her own words:

“Well what I can possibly say about myself, I am a 30 year old mother of two who has worked extremely hard for a number of years to shake the stigma of being a teenager mother.

I was pregnant with my first child by the age of sixteen and a mother just turned seventeen, this was the most important/ terrifying experience. I had this tiny person who relied solely on myself so what was I going to do about it.

I decided education and helping others the best route for myself and my child. Over the past 11 years I have acquired numerous qualifications including health and social care, drugs and alcohol worker, understanding individuals with learning disabilities, teaching practitioner levels 2 & 3 to name a few.

Currently I am in my second year at university doing a learning support degree; I've been a teaching assistant for ten years. Additionally, I have been helping to run a coffee morning for vulnerable women over the past four years, which allows me to give support, advice and educational courses in a safe environment. Furthermore, through helping run the coffee morning I was offered a seat on the board of directors for a local women's charity, which I proudly accepted and have been a part of for just over a year. My greatest achievements will always be my children as they are my whole world, being able to set a admirable example for them growing up means everything to me.

As I get older the hard work doesn't stop but the benefits of all the hard work get sweeter. Remember to have fun, laugh, cry, love and never give up because we are all worth it.”

-Stacey x