OUR STORIES
GIDEON
BUABENG
Our founders story, his pain 2 power
Gideon is the Founder of Our Pain 2 Power, Award Winning Motivational Speaker, Chairman of The Violent Crime Prevention Youth Board, Metropolitan Police Community facilitator, Prince’s Trust Young Ambassador of The Year and Prince’s Trust Youth Advisory Board and Youth Influence Represented.
6 Years prior to achieving these accomplishments, Gideon was a victim of a knife attack whilst studying at university and was left 14 stab wounds, surviving by an inch.
With the right support system and determination, he was able to turn his post- traumatic stress disorder into post-traumatic growth and turn his pain into his power.
“I formed Our Pain 2 Power to be the relatable support system that I wish I had when I was young and vulnerable. We are a support system that supports our beneficiaries to turn challenging life experiences and adversity into growth.”
REAL SUCCESS STORIES
Patrick' Story
Patrick has been in and out of care from 9 years old and caught up in gang culture by the age of 12.
Patrick burgled a house and later found out it was an officer. He had an argument with his uncle and his uncle attacked him. When his uncle did this, Patrick tried to stab his uncle. He got referred to us by the school and they were looking for a relatable positive role model to mentor him.
Gideon mentored him and shared my lived experiences with him. The good and the Bad. After building a positive relationship with him, Patrick started to open up to Gideon about what he wanted to do in life. Patrick participated in our youth violence intervention programmes.
We also supported him with applying for college and finding a studio for his music. He used this as a positive outlet. Patrick now does a brick layering apprenticeship course and as well pursuing music.
Nathan's Story
Covid 19 had an immense impact on all of us, especially young people.
Nathan went from socialising and seeing his friends to being stuck at home. This also affected his mother financially which led to Nathan not having an internet connection on most days and being able to speak with his friends.
Nathan got accustomed to staying in his room and never left it for several months. This had a major effect on his physical and mental health. Nathan became angry about not being able to leave the house and turned his anger towards his mother and siblings.
No professionals were able to engage Nathan and this started taking a negative toll on his mother. Our Pain 2 Power mentorship programme got recommended by a local authority to Nathan’s mother. Through mentorship, Gideon was able to build a positive relationship and support his emotional well-being. Nathan’s sessions started at his home and once restrictions were lifted, transitioned into the community.
Nathan’s mother and school saw an increase in confidence and self-awareness after Nathan’s programme had ended. Nathan has now been accepted into college and studying accounting.
Matthew's Story
Due to domestic abuse Matthew has been in out and care and secure units from the ages of 8-15 years old. When he was due back home the local authority got in touch with us regarding mentorship.
Matthew SEMH, ASD, ADHD and Autism.
Through Gideon’s mentorship, Matthew gained employability skills and conflict resolution skills and increased confidence and self-awareness.
Our sessions consisted of recreational activities and sports.
At the completion of our mentorship programme, over 2 years, Matthew was able to attend college and get a job.