A mobile self-esteem and confidence-building space for young people, women, and parents from marginalised communities

Who We Are

My name is Krystal Parkins, and I’m the founder of Proud to Be Me CIC—a trauma-informed, culturally competent community organisation committed to supporting young people, women, and parents who are often unheard, underserved, or misunderstood.

We work with those who are too often overlooked: young girls, LGBTQ+ youth, neurodivergent individuals, trauma survivors, care leavers, single mothers, and those navigating identity, discrimination, or crisis. Many of those we support are at risk of isolation, exploitation, or exclusion from mainstream services.

I’m a youth mentor, beauty and aesthetics lecturer, and someone who has turned deep personal adversity—including grooming, exploitation, bullying, trauma, grief, and low self-worth—into a mission. I created the Reflections programme to offer the healing, tools, and guidance I wish had been available to me growing up.

Why We Need Your Help

We are raising money to convert a van into the Proud to Be Me “Reflections Hub on Wheels”—a mobile safe space designed to bring mentoring, self-esteem support, and practical empowerment tools directly to the communities that need them most.

This van will allow us to reach people on estates, at youth centres, community events, and even outside schools—those who might never walk into a classroom, counselling session, or workshop on their own.

This mobile hub will offer:

• One-to-one mentoring and emotional support

• Self-love, confidence, and identity-building sessions

• County lines and exploitation awareness talks for young people and parents

• Safe space discussions around mental health, grief, trauma, and life transitions

• Guest speakers and relatable role models

• Outreach for parents and carers

• A visible and empowering presence in the heart of the community

For many, this van will represent something they’ve never had—a non-judgemental space that comes to them, ready to listen, support, and uplift.

What We’re Fundraising For

We are seeking to raise £10,000 to help cover the cost of:

• Purchasing a reliable van

• Converting it into a safe, creative, and welcoming space

• Resources for workshops and wellbeing sessions

• Branding and visibility (so people know who we are and what we offer)

• Fuel and travel to reach schools, estates, and events

• Insurance, upkeep, and running costs

Every donation, no matter the size, helps us show up in the lives of those who feel forgotten or lost in the system.

Why It Matters

I created Proud to Be Me CIC because I know how it feels to grow up unsupported, unheard, and underestimated. Our work is about restoring self-worth, building resilience, and giving people the tools to thrive, not just survive.

This hub will allow us to reach those on the edge—the young person hiding their trauma, the mum who has lost her sense of self, the teenager being pulled into dangerous situations, or the parent trying to reconnect with their child.

Our team brings real-life experience, professional skill, and cultural understanding. We don’t just teach confidence—we model it. We don’t just talk about change—we live it.

If you believe in healing, prevention, empowerment, and second chances, please support our campaign.

Let’s take hope on the road. Let’s build the Reflections Hub on Wheels.

Thank you for helping us make this vision a reality.