ALEXANDRA suffers from depression and social anxiety.

She was groomed, started drinking and smoking cannabis at a young age and became involved with a dealer.

A fragmented family life resulted in her leaving home when she was 11 and she moved in with her grandparents.

“My step dad used to say children should be seen and not heard.

“It did feel like my mum had chosen her boyfriend over me and at times I felt really alone,” said Alexandra, now 18.

“I used to go get drunk and stay out with my friends all the time. Ninety per cent of my friends are a lot older than me, I started smoking, started smoking weed too and I became close with a dealer.

“Not having my dad in my life affected me. I always wanted a male role model in my life.

“I think that’s why I liked dating older lads, because they looked after me.

“I was groomed once. I met this guy he was really full on and it made me feel uncomfortable.

“But I didn’t report it because people would have said I wanted it. I’ve just avoided him ever since.”

Alexandra continued: “I’m a stress head. I suffer from depression and social anxiety. Big groups and intense situations make me nervous.

“I won’t talk to strangers. It’s that bad I won’t even order food in McDonald’s and have to get my friends to do it for me.

“I can’t talk to other people about this. I can’t even talk to strangers over the phone, like phoning the doctors for an appointment scares me.”

When she was 13 Alexandra and her friends decided to go to Carlisle Youth Zone. It was cold outside and they wanted somewhere to go.

That was the turning point for her.

She used to drink to have fun but has since realised she can have fun without alcohol and feels the youth zone is a safe place where someone will listen.

Alexandra has been supported by team leader Matt Williams and Emma Rogerson, the centre’s development coordinator.

“The youth zone is a place where you don’t have to let anything bother you and you can just float around, play music and have fun,” she said.

“[Emma and Matt] are never too busy. It’s good that someone actually cares and they make the time to listen to you.

“Since coming to the youth zone, I’ve cut down on drinking and I’ve gone from smoking 10 fags a day to just a few. I feel like I’m taking steps to help myself get better.

“I know that I can come to the youth zone because it’s safe and fun and there’s always someone to talk too.”