Today is Sunday, 22/9/24, a significant day as it marks the eve of a major milestone in my career. I have just finished cooking dinner and am now writing this blog. Then, I will do nothing for the rest of the day. As I wake up tomorrow- Monday, 23/9/24- I will be stepping into the…
Author: outoftheshadows18
My name is Kendra Houseman. I have been involved with Gangs, Exploitation and CSE for over 26 years on many different levels. I am originally from South West London. A complicated background, living in an inner-city estate, and a lack of communication between adults are just some of the factors that lead to me having to make some life changing choices starting at the age of 11. These choices led to many consequences and created “Blondy” the name and person I was known as on the streets of SW London.
My best friend’s daughter …. Tell your family that is not blood how much you love them today…
Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs. The ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what.” ― Maya Angelou When I was growing up, I had an Auntie named Sue. She…
“Miss…when the door open’s, I’m gonna splash that yute.”
“Miss…when the door open’s, I’m gonna splash that yute.” As he says this line, I can hear and feel my heartbeat in my ears, and I am hot—so hot. I open my mouth to answer, but nothing comes out. My mouth and throat are so dry, and now I can feel it. I’m sweating, and…
The child they left in the brothel.
I once worked with a girl who, at age 14, was left in a brothel by professionals. You don’t need to read the rest of the blog if you don’t want as that’s the crux of it. But if you are thinking no way. How? Why? Then let’s go on. That incident happened about four…
How many times in your life have you seriously considered completing suicide? None? Ten? #worldsucicideprevntionday2024
How many times in your life have you seriously considered completing suicide? None? Ten? How many times has your mum seriously considered completing suicide? Your sibling? Your child? None? Ten? How do those two questions make you feel? Today is national suicide awareness day, so I thought it was a good day to ask. I…
I realised a long time ago that every time I addressed something that bothered me, I became the problem.
It dawned on me long ago that every time I confronted something that troubled me, I inadvertently became the issue. This realization sparked a journey of self-reflection and personal growth. Over the years, I also realised that the more you heal, the more comfortable you are with being the villain in the story of the…
The universe will put you back together in front of the ones that tried to break you (Trust the process)
Someone said this to me today in a conversation about change and new beginnings. They said this line and then continued talking about the subject we were discussing. I did not hear a word they said after that line. Even as I drove away, I was still thinking about that line. I have been quiet,…
Dear Lasharn, a prison letter I never thought I would write….
Dear Lasharn You know why I can’t use your real name, but anyone reading this who knew you back then will know who you are instantly. I need to start at the beginning to help me understand how this letter ends with you calling me from prison. A few years ago, I came to work…
Writer’s block functional freeze, and having to reintroduce myself.
I want you to read this, listen to the instructions, and close your eyes… I want you to visualize being in a group of people. You are all sitting at a round table. A lot of people are talking and saying things. Some people are saying things that you find very offensive, and it makes…
Out of the Shadows Birthday – CALL TO ACTION! WE NEED YOU
Out of the Shadows turns 7 this year! Can you believe it? We have achieved so much along the way, from training thousands of professionals to being part of the BBC documentary “Hidden Girls.” But seven years is a long time, and it’s time for change. We are talking about a new website, new training,…
Out of the Shadows 