Meet Daniella

What are your interests and hobbies?
Working out in the gym, listening to music, dancing, swimming in the summer and learning Spanish.

How long have you been coming to Lift?
Since the summer of 2019, it was before covid. I was looking for a free gym and my friend found this place online. We started coming here together.

What do you do at Lift?
Mainly the gym. I also come to the youth sessions to play games and chill. I have done some cooking sessions.

How has Lift helped you?
When I first came here, I was very shy and kept to myself. I would just come straight in, go in and out of the gym and then leave the building. I kept my headphones on the whole time. I looked like an anti-social being. The youth workers helped me come out of my shell, speak to others and make new friends.

What is the most important thing you have learnt at Lift?
I like talking to the youth workers, you can have a one-to-one conversation and they have helped me with a lot of problems. My communication skills have improved, I find it easier to talk about things and my confidence has increased. It was about coming out of my comfort zone.

What is the most fun you have ever had?
The parties at Halloween and Christmas. I have had my face painted, there are good things to eat, we have had an escape room and it is fun working in teams.

What would you say to a young person that has never been here before?
Come and see, it's very welcoming. All the workers are very friendly and non-judgemental. There are lots of interesting people here.

What do you hope to be doing in three years’ time?
I want good financial stability and plan to get an apprenticeship.

How is Lift helping you get there?
I know when I find an opportunity that I want to take that the youth workers will help me get there. I am talking to Nathan about a financial literacy course in the summer holidays. I am looking for part-time work at the moment and Darrell always lets me know of job opportunities if they come up.