Creating my own path: from survival to self-expression through art.

My name’s Kelsey, and I am 23 years old. I’m still adjusting to this age. I’m an artist, but I am struggling to know where I am right now because I’ve been doing it for ten years and I haven’t got that far yet. I consider myself a versatile artist. I can do realism, cartoons, collages, tattoos, and paint shoes – anything I can get my hands on, I can create.

I love that about myself.

I first started drawing when I lived in Malta, right after losing my cat. I tried creating missing cat posters like the ones I’d seen in cartoons. It’s funny to think about that now – a child’s drawing of a cat could be any cat – but I was determined and creative. When I was younger, art became a big distraction for me as home was very difficult. I thought my childhood experiences were normal, and I didn’t realise children weren’t supposed to endure what I did.

All I remember is having to grow up really early.

Turning point

I moved to the UK when I was six. I left my family because I didn’t feel safe in Malta. I moved in with my nan and completed my education here. When I was referred to Drive Forward, I had no clear direction. Someone suggested that completing GCSE art would open doors to college, so I pursued that path. I completed BTEC levels 1 and 2 but dropped out midway through BTEC 3 (nearly A-levels) because I felt I wasn’t learning practical skills about navigating the world. After leaving college, I explored various short courses and eventually decided to pursue tattoo work. I also worked at Chessington Zoo, an opportunity which my Career Specialist at the time helped secure for me. She was wonderful – always checking in on me. Ahmed, my current Career Specialist, and Nina, the Community Partnerships Manager, have also been consistently supportive, keeping me informed about events and opportunities.

I’ve been with Drive Forward for three years now, regularly attending social meetings. Due to my past experiences, sometimes I struggle with interactions with other people. I’m used to people thinking poorly of me. I wear sunglasses when I am out because I don’t like looking people in the eyes anymore. It’s only at home, in my personal space, that I feel comfortable enough to remove them.

The powerful impact of bespoke counselling

Drive Forward referred me to Richard Barnardo, an amazing therapist. Though I typically feel more comfortable with women than men, Richard is helping me overcome that barrier.
I’ve completed three sets of 12 sessions with him. I want to start paying for my sessions myself now because I respect him so much. He’s helped me quite a lot. When I first started therapy, I would constantly apologise for my actions, but I don’t do that anymore.

I feel comfortable being open with him. Richard has helped me confront my behaviour patterns and prevents me from getting lost in my thoughts – especially with my PTSD. His therapy dog was also incredibly helpful – a bright, kind presence during our sessions.

Currently, I’m working toward building my own business. I want to develop a solid business plan to sell my artwork as a sole trader. I’m exploring account management. All I want is to work, I want to draw and want to create the designs. I’m still learning to value myself properly. While I’m passionate about my art, expressing myself verbally remains challenging. I see the world in pictures. If I could animate my thoughts, perhaps people would understand me better. Building my confidence will take time. The journey to where I am now has been incredibly complex. I’m still learning and growing. The past three years especially have taught me valuable lessons that I’m learning to appreciate.

If I had to give advice to other care-experienced young people, it would be to use the therapy service and come to the events.
I love the Drive Socials and coming to the events.