Faith Drummond, from Greater Shankill studying Business at Ulster University, is passionate about restorative justice and youth activism. Through her work with Northern Ireland Alternatives and as a One Young World ambassador, she is dedicated to creating opportunities for young people and promoting positive mental health.
After experiencing firsthand the emotional toll of legal proceedings following an accident, funding to Faith will be used to launch a social enterprise focused on supporting individuals navigating the legal system after traumatic incidents. The initiative will provide mental health support, financial guidance, restorative circles for open conversations, and therapeutic tools like Havening therapy to manage PTSD. This affordable alternative to private counseling will ensure individuals, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, receive the care they deserve.
Faith’s vision is to challenge the existing legal system to prioritize the mental well-being of individuals rather than treating them as mere clients. A deeply personal experience during her psychological assessment—where a medical professional told her she “”should be over this by now””—solidified her determination to ensure others receive compassionate support. Trauma is not something to simply “”get over””; it requires care, guidance, and resources to help individuals heal and move forward.
This social enterprise will not only address immediate emotional struggles but also offer training in the Not Just Us program and future development opportunities, empowering participants with valuable skills. By transforming how individuals experience the legal system, Faith aims to provide hope and resilience in what can often feel like a hopeless situation. This initiative will create a lasting impact, ensuring no one has to navigate the emotional and psychological challenges of legal proceedings alone.
