Joint 1st - Breaking Routine - Canice Cusack
The time was five forty-five, the plan commences. The tired man pulled himself from his slumber, a feat that left him physically and mentally strained. What used to be his bedroom window, the walls lined with his bedroom desk and a heavy-set industrial fan, that does not fail to make its presence known every day, the thing hummed louder than a jet engine. If it was not for his only source of oxygen, he would have thrown it out a long time ago. His standard wake-up routine plastered on the wall with bold brightly coloured letters and the even bolder restrictions set in place by our government, even the most colourful of posters can’t cover up the grimmest of jail cells, and this prompted his planned escape. He got up from his bed and looked at rule two on the poster the cleanness protocol, the second most important rule right after rule one. Don’t go outside.
After a quick grooming session, a quick lick all over. He dressed himself in all dark clothing appropriate for this dangerous excursion. He would be a shadow against the darkness, unseen and unheard. Well, that was the plan at the very least. He made his way downstairs and fiddled with the electric box, he was only allowed a set amount of power and like lighting the house came alive with a golden glow. The kitchen beckoned and his stomach growled in response, he be dammed if he was not leaving this house without his toasted cinnamon bagel slathered in chocolatey Nutella and with a big mug of tea with cartoonish depiction of Wallace and Gromit. It took about five minutes to prepare the meal and have a quick sit-down to enjoy. He took bigger and quicker gulps and slurps of his breakfast, than he normally does. Enjoying every bit as he watched the early morning news, it was uninteresting as it always been for the longest time ever very few things surprised him now. The only thing that prevented him from turning it off was the deafening silence that followed. It gave the illusion of company. Scanning the room, he saw only the stacks of books, CDs, magazine and other treasures that only brought comfort but to anyone’s else this would be a hoarder’s paradise or dump if they are being especially rude. But it was his house so who cares, and who does he know who would care anyway? A moment had overwhelmed him, thoughts casting back dragging him to times he would walk around free, to go places, meet people and do whatever he wanted when he wanted! As his melancholy turned to adrenaline, he thrusted up from his old armchair and carried himself towards the cupboard under stairs. Ready for anything.
The musty smell seemed to attack his nostrils with full force, small clouds of dust dangling under the dim light, and a growing damp spot in the corner could be seen to be winning the battle over the white paint already losing its colour and so with control over the ceiling. It was your standard cupboard adorned with an assortment of cleaning products, old paints, tools, and a collection of raggedy cleaning rags that were either store bought or repurposed articles of under clothing. His attention turned to the little footlocker on the ground, its back against the wall. The latches clicked open with a satisfying “click” and its contents lay bare for him to see. The man grabbed the rather small bag that seemed to cut into his shoulders finely, and he felt the metallic weight shift side to side as he adjusted the Nike sports bag to fit evenly. As he did so his eyes stared through the doorways as tv broadcasting a depiction of violence, civil unrest, sickness, and death. His eye averted from the screen and stared at the box once again, aloud screech emerging dragging the wooden floor as he kicked it along, plywood stood leaning against the wall covering a rather blatant hole in the wall big enough for a small man to squeeze through but he was no small man. He plopped down on all fours and began his slow turtle march into dirty darkness. If the man ever had claustrophobia now was the time for it to show. A worm would have better luck wiggling through this 6-foot hole than him. As all seemed hopeless one final push was like a ball flying from a cannon and he was free. He found himself in a damp musty shed, cobwebs danced on the wall like they were doing the Russian tango. Hinges of the door looked rusted and on the verge of falling off as the nails looked like they were about to pop off like miniature rockets. A jungle of bushes and overgrown plants reaching high into the sky but fell short by a foot against the garden wall. One running star jump somersault back flip he went flying over the wall and descended into the outside world.
He darted across the streets; his back crouched avoiding the streetlights. He scurried like a mouse through the alleys, behind closed gates and up and over the last fence. He came face to face with a strong oak tree. Its leaves were a vibrant green and branches stretch long over the even higher wall at the end of the garden. Like many times before he began to climb up and up, he felt the wet bark in his fingertips and his nose filled with an earthy smell and finally he perched himself on a rather big branch he was overcome with a sense of proudness. He swung his bag in front of his chest and retrieved his camera his gaze focused on the bedroom window, the blinds open revealing a woman with an initial look of surprise on her face but slowly faded as she saw her friend taking pictures of the park beyond the wall, beyond quarantine.
After a quick grooming session, a quick lick all over. He dressed himself in all dark clothing appropriate for this dangerous excursion. He would be a shadow against the darkness, unseen and unheard. Well, that was the plan at the very least. He made his way downstairs and fiddled with the electric box, he was only allowed a set amount of power and like lighting the house came alive with a golden glow. The kitchen beckoned and his stomach growled in response, he be dammed if he was not leaving this house without his toasted cinnamon bagel slathered in chocolatey Nutella and with a big mug of tea with cartoonish depiction of Wallace and Gromit. It took about five minutes to prepare the meal and have a quick sit-down to enjoy. He took bigger and quicker gulps and slurps of his breakfast, than he normally does. Enjoying every bit as he watched the early morning news, it was uninteresting as it always been for the longest time ever very few things surprised him now. The only thing that prevented him from turning it off was the deafening silence that followed. It gave the illusion of company. Scanning the room, he saw only the stacks of books, CDs, magazine and other treasures that only brought comfort but to anyone’s else this would be a hoarder’s paradise or dump if they are being especially rude. But it was his house so who cares, and who does he know who would care anyway? A moment had overwhelmed him, thoughts casting back dragging him to times he would walk around free, to go places, meet people and do whatever he wanted when he wanted! As his melancholy turned to adrenaline, he thrusted up from his old armchair and carried himself towards the cupboard under stairs. Ready for anything.
The musty smell seemed to attack his nostrils with full force, small clouds of dust dangling under the dim light, and a growing damp spot in the corner could be seen to be winning the battle over the white paint already losing its colour and so with control over the ceiling. It was your standard cupboard adorned with an assortment of cleaning products, old paints, tools, and a collection of raggedy cleaning rags that were either store bought or repurposed articles of under clothing. His attention turned to the little footlocker on the ground, its back against the wall. The latches clicked open with a satisfying “click” and its contents lay bare for him to see. The man grabbed the rather small bag that seemed to cut into his shoulders finely, and he felt the metallic weight shift side to side as he adjusted the Nike sports bag to fit evenly. As he did so his eyes stared through the doorways as tv broadcasting a depiction of violence, civil unrest, sickness, and death. His eye averted from the screen and stared at the box once again, aloud screech emerging dragging the wooden floor as he kicked it along, plywood stood leaning against the wall covering a rather blatant hole in the wall big enough for a small man to squeeze through but he was no small man. He plopped down on all fours and began his slow turtle march into dirty darkness. If the man ever had claustrophobia now was the time for it to show. A worm would have better luck wiggling through this 6-foot hole than him. As all seemed hopeless one final push was like a ball flying from a cannon and he was free. He found himself in a damp musty shed, cobwebs danced on the wall like they were doing the Russian tango. Hinges of the door looked rusted and on the verge of falling off as the nails looked like they were about to pop off like miniature rockets. A jungle of bushes and overgrown plants reaching high into the sky but fell short by a foot against the garden wall. One running star jump somersault back flip he went flying over the wall and descended into the outside world.
He darted across the streets; his back crouched avoiding the streetlights. He scurried like a mouse through the alleys, behind closed gates and up and over the last fence. He came face to face with a strong oak tree. Its leaves were a vibrant green and branches stretch long over the even higher wall at the end of the garden. Like many times before he began to climb up and up, he felt the wet bark in his fingertips and his nose filled with an earthy smell and finally he perched himself on a rather big branch he was overcome with a sense of proudness. He swung his bag in front of his chest and retrieved his camera his gaze focused on the bedroom window, the blinds open revealing a woman with an initial look of surprise on her face but slowly faded as she saw her friend taking pictures of the park beyond the wall, beyond quarantine.
Joint 1st - My Name's Liam - Liam Shannon
My name’s Liam and we are over 3 / 4 the way through what everyone is calling a crazy year. I understand why people are saying 2020 is a crazy year. But something I once thought was impossible has happened to me this year.
Well from about 2015 till only a year or two ago I often struggled with my life. There were many issues around drugs that had a severe knock-on effect on my mental health. I'm not really going to talk about it all right now. I might one day. The reason I'm saying it in this short story is because my life completely changed. I had one day walked nervously into ST Gemma's basically in an attempt to rebuild positive friendships with old friends. I met 2 Youth workers that day Gerard and Cara. I'll explain later how these 2 helped developed me into what people are now describing as a role mode & an inspiration. I can't stress enough that how for years it felt like people where only calling me all the bad names. I was just a young person... helping a young person who is willing can be the start of what is going to be an absolutely outstanding adult, who could better the community they live or there's a million other positive things they can achieve.
On that day I went to St Gemma's (YeHa’s office at the time) I was just glad to be out of the house trying to better my life with a new challenge which was to rebuild these friendships. I didn’t even know the youth club was there.
For years before this day I often ran with the wrong crowd, trying to prove myself to negative people with things that were noting but negative. My Mind always felt trapped and scrambled. After this day It was a beginning to proving myself to me, my friends, my family & my new youth workers. Because it felt they all seen something in me no one else in the world did. People also often say you don’t need prove yourself to no one. This didn’t feel like that, this felt like I had a purpose I had people I looked up to and I would like to show them, I have changed, bettered myself & am looking to go far in life.
That day Gerard came up with an idea for me to join them on the residential. What felt like a scary step TO ME but I needed to take to this opportunity or I thought I'd not forgive myself. So, I went I pushed myself. This is what cemented the friendships with some of my current friends I have today. On the residential I was so buzzing with being around people and talking to one another without things like drugs being around. & Having proper conversations with everyone there. I was so buzzing That I said to Gerard does he think I could volunteer in the club sometime. He said yes off course he actually believed in me and I have to say this give me a great sense of belief in my own ability's.
I had a lot of issues and for the next period me and him & at different times Cara would chisel away at some of the negative in my life. Him and Cara, came up with things for me to do
Mountain walks was one of them me and Gerard my 1 to 1 mentor/ Youth worker would walk cave hill every Friday. I absolutely loved this, it sparked an interest I never really had. Throughout Covid 19 lock down I walked the Mournes in new castle so many times even camped there. Also Walked the cave hill countless times to see sun rises and sun sets. I even done all this with my best friend buddy aka my pup.
Another thing was education him and Cara got me on OCNs (A type of qualification) and they even delivered them. which made me feel like I was working towards something which was being a youth worker, I disliked education my whole life (I even left school at 14 with the drug difficulty's) I had no interest. but something about this was different I enjoyed it I loved the subjects; I had a new passion it seemed which was youth work. Relating this again to Covid 19 lockdown I started actually doing courses online to better myself, I done several courses on mental health particularly in young people a subject that I loved. I got certificates for each one of these.
I am now currently Believe it or not on the board of a youth led Mental health organization where we go into youth clubs and promote positive mental health and spread awareness of the subject, always developing my skills. Pushing the bar higher again.
Gerard and Cara loved fitness they would always talk of it so positively. Hearing them speak of it made me feel like I want to attempt a marathon if I could at the time. Me and Gerard went to flex fitness a local gym, I had no confidence to go to the gym but I gave it a try. As I hope each one of you find out its always good to try new things. I lost over 4 stone in weight after being very over weight, after then getting full confidence with a personal trainer. Lock down came along I thought this would hinder my motivation in the gym but no it seemed to me to make it stronger. Gerard got in contact with Stephen who is linked with YeHa who loaned me dumbbells. My family got me some things to so throughout lockdown I trained, I walked mountains a lot with my pup & got enjoyment out of education!!!
Said that to me 3 years ago id of laughed. Don’t get me wrong I played games relaxed and actually enjoyed the time doing everything I done. I used it to better myself in any way I could. This is why I Said I understand this is a crazy year but for me. It ended up one of the best years all my work and effort with YeHa, with myself, with family and building friendships payed of. Youth work not only works but worked for me.
I am now in the process of becoming a qualified youth worker I have hours of paid work with YeHa, I am doing a personal training course online witch I am loving and am going to link in with youth work. I am fitter healthier and happier. I now enjoy education. I'm on the board of a Mental health organization at 19, Amongst a lot of other things I have to be thankful for 2020 was outstanding. For me personally. I am proud of myself and am so delighted to say that.
Well from about 2015 till only a year or two ago I often struggled with my life. There were many issues around drugs that had a severe knock-on effect on my mental health. I'm not really going to talk about it all right now. I might one day. The reason I'm saying it in this short story is because my life completely changed. I had one day walked nervously into ST Gemma's basically in an attempt to rebuild positive friendships with old friends. I met 2 Youth workers that day Gerard and Cara. I'll explain later how these 2 helped developed me into what people are now describing as a role mode & an inspiration. I can't stress enough that how for years it felt like people where only calling me all the bad names. I was just a young person... helping a young person who is willing can be the start of what is going to be an absolutely outstanding adult, who could better the community they live or there's a million other positive things they can achieve.
On that day I went to St Gemma's (YeHa’s office at the time) I was just glad to be out of the house trying to better my life with a new challenge which was to rebuild these friendships. I didn’t even know the youth club was there.
For years before this day I often ran with the wrong crowd, trying to prove myself to negative people with things that were noting but negative. My Mind always felt trapped and scrambled. After this day It was a beginning to proving myself to me, my friends, my family & my new youth workers. Because it felt they all seen something in me no one else in the world did. People also often say you don’t need prove yourself to no one. This didn’t feel like that, this felt like I had a purpose I had people I looked up to and I would like to show them, I have changed, bettered myself & am looking to go far in life.
That day Gerard came up with an idea for me to join them on the residential. What felt like a scary step TO ME but I needed to take to this opportunity or I thought I'd not forgive myself. So, I went I pushed myself. This is what cemented the friendships with some of my current friends I have today. On the residential I was so buzzing with being around people and talking to one another without things like drugs being around. & Having proper conversations with everyone there. I was so buzzing That I said to Gerard does he think I could volunteer in the club sometime. He said yes off course he actually believed in me and I have to say this give me a great sense of belief in my own ability's.
I had a lot of issues and for the next period me and him & at different times Cara would chisel away at some of the negative in my life. Him and Cara, came up with things for me to do
Mountain walks was one of them me and Gerard my 1 to 1 mentor/ Youth worker would walk cave hill every Friday. I absolutely loved this, it sparked an interest I never really had. Throughout Covid 19 lock down I walked the Mournes in new castle so many times even camped there. Also Walked the cave hill countless times to see sun rises and sun sets. I even done all this with my best friend buddy aka my pup.
Another thing was education him and Cara got me on OCNs (A type of qualification) and they even delivered them. which made me feel like I was working towards something which was being a youth worker, I disliked education my whole life (I even left school at 14 with the drug difficulty's) I had no interest. but something about this was different I enjoyed it I loved the subjects; I had a new passion it seemed which was youth work. Relating this again to Covid 19 lockdown I started actually doing courses online to better myself, I done several courses on mental health particularly in young people a subject that I loved. I got certificates for each one of these.
I am now currently Believe it or not on the board of a youth led Mental health organization where we go into youth clubs and promote positive mental health and spread awareness of the subject, always developing my skills. Pushing the bar higher again.
Gerard and Cara loved fitness they would always talk of it so positively. Hearing them speak of it made me feel like I want to attempt a marathon if I could at the time. Me and Gerard went to flex fitness a local gym, I had no confidence to go to the gym but I gave it a try. As I hope each one of you find out its always good to try new things. I lost over 4 stone in weight after being very over weight, after then getting full confidence with a personal trainer. Lock down came along I thought this would hinder my motivation in the gym but no it seemed to me to make it stronger. Gerard got in contact with Stephen who is linked with YeHa who loaned me dumbbells. My family got me some things to so throughout lockdown I trained, I walked mountains a lot with my pup & got enjoyment out of education!!!
Said that to me 3 years ago id of laughed. Don’t get me wrong I played games relaxed and actually enjoyed the time doing everything I done. I used it to better myself in any way I could. This is why I Said I understand this is a crazy year but for me. It ended up one of the best years all my work and effort with YeHa, with myself, with family and building friendships payed of. Youth work not only works but worked for me.
I am now in the process of becoming a qualified youth worker I have hours of paid work with YeHa, I am doing a personal training course online witch I am loving and am going to link in with youth work. I am fitter healthier and happier. I now enjoy education. I'm on the board of a Mental health organization at 19, Amongst a lot of other things I have to be thankful for 2020 was outstanding. For me personally. I am proud of myself and am so delighted to say that.
3rd - Covid 19... - Rachel McIlhagga
Covid-19 - Caitlin
When Covid 19 came.... - Eire
When Lockdown Came Around - Erin
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