I am Kirstie O’Connor, the Founder of Streetz Ahead Creative Housing. After 25 years in the sector, supporting young people from a variety of background in a range of settings, I felt more needed to be done to prepare young people living in care for the journey ahead of them. I wanted to provide a service that offered safe transition, and the opportunity to develop the skills, self-belief and self-worth to overcome their own barriers. In 2016 Streetz Ahead was created. My vision was to also contribute lasting societal change. By helping young individuals develop independence, Streetz Ahead contributes to reducing reliance on public services and lowering rates of homelessness. I want to break the cycle of disadvantage and create brighter futures for children and young people, to help change their story. Through my experience I have seen how becoming independent can be a daunting and difficult process for every young person, but even more difficult for young people who have experienced adverse childhood experiences. At Streetz Ahead, we strive to create a nurturing environment that provides a strong foundation for the healing process, building on resilience. I understand the importance of creating a culture that can hold this process. To this end I decided to undertake my qualifications in psychology, health and social care and (more recently) counselling. Where the focus of my dissertation was specifically on young people transition. This personal learning journey added more fuel to my personal ambition to provide comprehensive staff training, being trauma informed and recognising that the quality of care depends on those who provide it. Programs like PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy) are integral to our approach, supporting staff to build trusting relationships with the children. I firmly believe in the power and importance of positive risk-taking, helping our young people to find their feet when they fall is central to developing lifelong strategies to cope with the demands of adult life. Encouraging children to step outside their comfort zones, while ensuring their safety, helps them develop independence and confidence. It’s vital for their growth and recovery, and witnessing their progress is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. Knowing not only that we have helped make a difference, but being their when young people discover its their own will and motivation that inspires change. To further reinforce this emotional resilience I wanted to ensure that Education was recognised as a key cornerstone, which is vital to create future opportunities for our children and young people. Every child in our service has access to tailored resources that empower them to succeed in their process to adulthood, so in addition to the highly skilled staff team, a specific transition specialist help the young person to navigate their key decision. Through my work at Streetz Ahead, I demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of vulnerable children. Driven by dedication and personal experience and informed practice and compassion, I believe that together, we can transform lives and build a more supportive society for everyone. Where early experiences are part of a child’s story, but not what defines them.