{"alias":"blogEntry","byline":"","standfirst":"Izzie shares her struggle with mental health and why Scouts is always her place to belong ","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW226794907 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW226794907 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW226794907 BCX0\u0022\u003ESay hello to 24-year-old Izzie Inga, a lifelong Scout who found her place to belong as a Beaver almost 20 years ago.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW226794907 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW226794907 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW226794907 BCX0\u0022\u003EShe was appointed County Youth Commissioner in Buckinghamshire aged 19, volunteered working night shifts for\u0026nbsp;Queen Elizabeth II\u0026nbsp;Lying-in-State, and has just ended a successful term as a member of the UK Youth Team.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- [if !supportAnnotations]--\u003E\u003C!--[endif]--\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/x4hh44uz/img_0540.jpeg","width":2324,"height":3024,"altText":"Izzie takes a selfie at Buckingham Palace with the golden gates in the background","caption":"Scouts is where Izzie found her place to belong","link":null}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW53044039 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW53044039 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW53044039 BCX0\u0022\u003EIzzie\u2019s struggled with her mental health throughout her life, but she says Scouts has helped her navigate it all and come out stronger, more confident and ready to follow her own path.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW53044039 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW53044039 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW53044039 BCX0\u0022\u003EIzzie has shared her story...\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW53044039 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW53044039 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW53044039 BCX0\u0022\u003ELooking back at my Scouts journey, I don\u2019t think people would realise I was struggling \u2013 at least early on. I hid my feelings a bit too well.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW53044039 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW53044039 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW53044039 BCX0\u0022\u003EJoining Chesham Bois Beavers aged six was a big life moment for me. Back then, I was one of only two girls in the Colony and from day one, I absolutely loved it.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW53044039 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW53044039 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW53044039 BCX0\u0022\u003EThese days there\u2019s girls of all ages at Scouts and it\u2019s wonderful to see them having all the fun and adventures I\u2019ve enjoyed.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/4b1ey4w2/img_2577.jpeg","width":1179,"height":1473,"altText":"A young Izzie wearing her Scouts necker and jumper decorated with activity badges","caption":"Izzie enjoyed Scouts from an early age","link":null}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW27001162 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW27001162 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW27001162 BCX0\u0022\u003EI was a shy girl who wouldn\u2019t talk to anyone but the Young Leaders. I think I was too scared about what people would think of me if I spoke.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW27001162 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW27001162 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW27001162 BCX0\u0022\u003EWhen I moved up to Scouts I took part in my first week-long camp away from home. My friend had left Scouts and I remember sitting in the minibus feeling terrified about being the only girl. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW27001162 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW27001162 BCX0\u0022\u003EI shouldn\u2019t have worried. It helped me find the courage to speak. Scouts listened, and I felt heard.\u0026nbsp; \u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW27001162 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW27001162 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW27001162 BCX0\u0022\u003EI was a happy child until I got to secondary school. I found it difficult managing lots of different subjects and felt stressed all the time. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW27001162 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW27001162 BCX0\u0022\u003EThat\u2019s why I looked forward to Scouts each week, where I\u2019d bonded with other peers going through similarities in school. They embraced me for being me.\u0026nbsp; \u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW27001162 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW27001162 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW27001162 BCX0\u0022\u003EScouts made me feel safe in my own skin. There, I had confidence and learnt about myself and what makes me happy.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/4rifgdmy/img_2586.jpeg","width":2279,"height":4000,"altText":"A young Izzie makes her Scouts Promise on stage","caption":"At Scouts, Izzie is accepted for exactly who she is ","link":null}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW232819242 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW232819242 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW232819242 BCX0\u0022\u003EAt sixth form, I found friendships and life priorities shift. I didn\u2019t have the connections I used to. I felt like I was losing shared interests, excitement and ambition about the future with my friends at school. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW232819242 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW232819242 BCX0\u0022\u003EI struggled with this and found myself losing the fun, safe space and relationships I once thought I had. \u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW232819242 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW232819242 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW232819242 BCX0\u0022\u003EI tried therapy and the doctor prescribed me medication to help my anxiety and low mood, but it didn\u2019t make me feel better.\u0026nbsp; \u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW232819242 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW232819242 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW232819242 BCX0\u0022\u003EAt 19 I started my Fine Art degree in Leeds and while I made friends, I had a horrible time on the course. I was too scared to reach out for support and found myself spiralling into unfamiliar territory with my mental health.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW232819242 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW232819242 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW232819242 BCX0\u0022\u003EIt took a long time for me to come to terms with the fact that I was struggling, but it was my leaders and friends from Scouts who knew me well who voiced their concerns and gently pushed me to get help. I\u2019m not sure I would\u2019ve made that jump without them.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/g5jj0cv3/img_2585.jpeg","width":2298,"height":3415,"altText":"Izzie stands waist deep in water while wearing a helmet and life jacket","caption":"Izzie\u0027s enjoyed countless adventures with Scouts","link":null}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW95596828 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW95596828 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW95596828 BCX0\u0022\u003EI knew I had to protect my mental health and my future. Because of the support I had at Scouts, and the experiences I\u2019d been through, I started developing into a more confident, values-driven adult. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW95596828 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW95596828 BCX0\u0022\u003EI recognised that I needed to change something significant about my life to save myself. That\u2019s when I built up the courage to drop out of my Fine Art degree in November 2022. \u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW95596828 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW95596828 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW95596828 BCX0\u0022\u003EI then took a massive leap and secured a place on a Paramedic Science degree in Bristol, starting the following September.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW95596828 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW95596828 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW95596828 BCX0\u0022\u003ESuddenly I felt like I could breathe again. I\u2019d had a disconnect from Scouts when I moved to Leeds \u2013 I got wrapped up in trying to find happiness in my degree and almost forgot where I belonged.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW95596828 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW95596828 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW95596828 BCX0\u0022\u003EScouts was a safe space, outside of the stresses of life. It made me strong and helped me build resilience. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW95596828 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW95596828 BCX0\u0022\u003EI knew I belonged at Scouts no matter what, and I took that comfort with me as I navigated the challenges of a new course.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/cklmwnqv/img_7628.jpeg","width":2016,"height":2688,"altText":"Izzie smiles with her arms wide beside the River Thames in London","caption":"Trusted friends at Scouts encouraged Izzie to ask for help","link":null}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW128932214 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW128932214 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW128932214 BCX0\u0022\u003EBeing appointed County Youth Commissioner in Buckinghamshire at 19 was exactly what I needed. It made me think about the person I wanted to be, and what I could do to make other people\u2019s lives better, too.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW128932214 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW128932214 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW128932214 BCX0\u0022\u003EMy big turning point was being selected to volunteer in London for Queen Elizabeth II Lying-in-State. I was on the night shift, working 11pm to 7am.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW128932214 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW128932214 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW128932214 BCX0\u0022\u003EI was in a dark and scary place at that time, but something about those nights changed my mindset. I had time to reflect on everything I\u2019d achieved despite my struggles. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW128932214 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW128932214 BCX0\u0022\u003EI felt a sense of duty being there as a 20 year old. I started to see the potential I had and all the positive changes I could make with my life if I wanted to. \u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW128932214 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW128932214 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW128932214 BCX0\u0022\u003EDuring my Paramedic Science degree, I\u2019ve been exposed to some very sad and scary situations, but my experiences at Scouts helped me start to learn how to process them. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW128932214 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW128932214 BCX0\u0022\u003EI knew I could reach out to them if I got overwhelmed and I came out feeling stronger and more prepared to deal with whatever life might throw at me in the future.\u0026nbsp; \u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW128932214 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW128932214 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW128932214 BCX0\u0022\u003EI\u2019ve now finished my degree and will be graduating with a First Class Honours result in November. I\u2019m now officially a Registered Paramedic, too.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- [if !supportAnnotations]--\u003E\u003C!--[endif]--\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/xqhfpc2m/img_1984.jpeg","width":4284,"height":5712,"altText":"Izzie stands outside Parliament in London with a Scouts board","caption":"Scouts has helped Izzie become a confident and goals-driven adult","link":null}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW19440412 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW19440412 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW19440412 BCX0\u0022\u003EIf you\u2019d told me three years ago that I\u2019d achieve all this, I wouldn\u2019t have believed you. I truly love this job and pursuing it was the best decision of my life. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW19440412 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW19440412 BCX0\u0022\u003EI\u2019m now job searching and enjoying taking life a little bit slower to rest and reflect before I start my career. \u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW19440412 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW19440412 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW19440412 BCX0\u0022\u003ERight now I\u2019m doing my Scouts of the World Award, volunteering with Thames Valley Air Ambulance and trying to advocate for what I\u2019m passionate about at every opportunity.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW19440412 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW19440412 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW19440412 BCX0\u0022\u003EFrom the start of my journey, Scouts has helped me build so many skills and shown me the opportunities I have in life and given me the foundations to reach for them. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW19440412 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW19440412 BCX0\u0022\u003EBeing part of the UK Youth Team helped me figure out my priorities and sense of self. Some of my biggest takeaways and dreams for the future have come out of what I\u2019ve learnt from the experience.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW19440412 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW19440412 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW19440412 BCX0\u0022\u003EI\u2019m so proud of the strides I\u2019ve made, being an advocate for myself and all the young people involved in Scouts.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/pwhbf0y0/91f7e9ae-71d4-4d33-bdae-6a4ae146765a.jpeg","width":668,"height":1066,"altText":"Izzie smiles widely while wearing a navy T-shirt and Scouts necker","caption":"Izzie says she\u0027s a braver, better person thanks to Scouts","link":null}]}],"config":null},{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW21048827 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW21048827 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW21048827 BCX0\u0022\u003EScouts also helped me be brave and ask for help at a very vulnerable in my life and I\u2019m a better person now because of it.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW21048827 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW21048827 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW21048827 BCX0\u0022\u003EI can vouch that at Scouts you\u2019ll find your people, discover who you truly are and what you can do. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW21048827 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW21048827 BCX0\u0022\u003EA lot of my friends for life are people I\u2019ve met as a young person and adult at Scouts - something I thought I\u2019d never experience, and something I\u2019m eternally grateful for. \u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW21048827 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW21048827 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW21048827 BCX0\u0022\u003ESure, I still struggle with anxiety and have bad days here and there, but I have the tools and support to manage it. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW21048827 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW21048827 BCX0\u0022\u003EI\u2019ve learnt a lot about myself and what my triggers are. One of the most important things I\u2019ve learnt is to trust my gut. \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW21048827 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW21048827 BCX0\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s ok to say \u2018no\u2019 and to ask for help when I need it \u2013 not wait until it\u2019s too late.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW21048827 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003E\u003C!-- [if !supportAnnotations]--\u003E\u003C!--[endif]--\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"10 October 2026","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[],"relatedLinks":[],"id":91323,"nodeName":"Saving lives: How Scouts helped Izzie find courage and follow a bright future","title":"Saving lives: How Scouts helped Izzie find courage and follow a bright future","type":"blogEntry","image":{"url":"/media/xqhfpc2m/img_1984.jpeg?cc=0,0.5042043057535566,0,0.0739206942464434\u0026width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dd50b3eff40e20","caption":"Izzie visited parliament to speak up for Scouts","type":"jpeg","size":4137942,"width":4284,"height":5712,"altText":"Izzie stands outside parliament in London with a Scouts board"},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Saving lives: How Scouts helped Izzie find courage and follow a bright future","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"Izzie shares her struggle with mental health and why Scouts is always her place to belong.","browserTitle":"Saving lives: How Scouts helped Izzie find courage and follow a bright future","silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC85MTMyMyJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2026/october/saving-lives-how-scouts-helped-izzie-find-courage-and-follow-a-bright-future/"}