Hi, allow me to introduce myself, my name is Sofia Strachan and I am the founder of Just As You Are.
I created JAYA to educate young people on what a healthy relationship looks like and the warning signs of an abusive relationship. As well as having a safe space for teenage parents, as it is a passion of mine and extremely close to my heart, as I was a teenage parent myself.
At 17yrs old I fell pregnant with my first child while studying at college, a very turbulent time in my life. I was a teenager in my last year of college with a baby on the way and a violent boyfriend.
At 18yrs old I had completed my diploma in Childcare and Education, had my first daughter and was facing parenthood as a single mother.
At 19yrs old I was back with my boyfriend and fell pregnant, with my twin sons!
At 20yrs old with the support of my mum, family and close friends I was able to continue studying at university, while being a parent to three very small children, trying to make it through domestic violent relationship, battling with police, social services and my emotional wellbeing.
At 21yrs old I graduated from UEL with a 2:2 in Youth and Community Work with Psychology. And finally had the courage to break free of my toxic relationship for good with my children's father.
Fast forward to the present day and with a new edition to the family, so with four amazing children and a bright future ahead of me, I am creating a support network for teenage parents and attending secondary schools, speaking with young people about all things healthy relationships. I understand immensely the struggles and joys of being a young parent and trying to make the best out of what can be a difficult time in your life.
I have been stereotyped, looked down on and judged by society and I know personally how degrading that can be.
I am here to speak to both young mothers and fathers and tell them that if I can make it then so can you!
And to all Young People, you don't have to struggle like I did - You can live and learn to make wise choices.
I created JAYA to educate young people on what a healthy relationship looks like and the warning signs of an abusive relationship. As well as having a safe space for teenage parents, as it is a passion of mine and extremely close to my heart, as I was a teenage parent myself.
At 17yrs old I fell pregnant with my first child while studying at college, a very turbulent time in my life. I was a teenager in my last year of college with a baby on the way and a violent boyfriend.
At 18yrs old I had completed my diploma in Childcare and Education, had my first daughter and was facing parenthood as a single mother.
At 19yrs old I was back with my boyfriend and fell pregnant, with my twin sons!
At 20yrs old with the support of my mum, family and close friends I was able to continue studying at university, while being a parent to three very small children, trying to make it through domestic violent relationship, battling with police, social services and my emotional wellbeing.
At 21yrs old I graduated from UEL with a 2:2 in Youth and Community Work with Psychology. And finally had the courage to break free of my toxic relationship for good with my children's father.
Fast forward to the present day and with a new edition to the family, so with four amazing children and a bright future ahead of me, I am creating a support network for teenage parents and attending secondary schools, speaking with young people about all things healthy relationships. I understand immensely the struggles and joys of being a young parent and trying to make the best out of what can be a difficult time in your life.
I have been stereotyped, looked down on and judged by society and I know personally how degrading that can be.
I am here to speak to both young mothers and fathers and tell them that if I can make it then so can you!
And to all Young People, you don't have to struggle like I did - You can live and learn to make wise choices.