Most days, I wanted to run away from the estate where I grew up.  

My name’s Bhavin, and I’m ReachOut’s Operations Officer, but 15 years ago, I was a ReachOut mentee and a young kid growing up in Hackney.  

Everywhere on our estate there was the temptation of drugs. I didn’t want to be there, and all of my friends felt the same way. I got into fights at school, couldn’t focus on my work, skipped class and felt like a failure.  

One day, I came home from school and my mum told me she’d received a letter from my head teacher. I’d been chosen as one of ten boys in my school to visit a male prison because I was at risk of being expelled. 3 of those boys would later end up in that prison for selling drugs.  

After that visit, I was also chosen as part of a group for something very different. My teacher referred me to ReachOut, and I met my mentor, Nick. Nick wasn’t a teacher, a friend or a family member, but he was there for me, every Wednesday, after school.  

He helped me with my homework and gave me coping mechanisms to help vent my frustrations. My confidence soared and, for the first time in a long time, I felt motivated.  

I passed my GCSEs, stayed on in the sixth form, achieved my A Levels and secured a place at university. I got my degree in Finance and went on to get a Masters in Risk Management and Assurance.  

I owe so much to Nick, and to ReachOut – I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. And now, as ReachOut’s Operations Officer, I can help other young people who need that same support and intervention.  

How can you help? 

I’m writing to ask if you’d consider becoming a regular donor to ReachOut. However much you’d be able to give will make an enormous difference. You could either:

Become a monthly donor with a donation of £25 a month or however much you’re able to give. This is a great way to support ReachOut – your donation will make an enormous difference in helping us to reach the young people who need us over the next year. Find out more at reachoutuk.org/donate.