Lia Ellis Thomas

Lia, who is 17 years old from Pwllheli has had a challenging and turbulent upbringing, living in a household where there has been domestic violence.

Following a domestic violence incident at home, Lia’s father was arrested and found guilty of coercive conduct.

Lia responded to this traumatic incident by supporting her mother and grandmother and looking after her younger brother who has profound additional learning needs.

Lia took on these additional responsibilities to support her family whilst also completing her final year in school and dealing with the stigma that existed as a result of the traumatic incident that she and her family encountered.

Lia has shown bravery in being able to share her and her family’s story with others and has taken part in documentary TV programmes to help those who may also have been affected by domestic violence. Talking publicly like this wasn't easy for her but she felt that if she could help one other person who was in the same situation as her as she was growing up, then it was worth it.

A former pupil of Ysgol Glan y Môr, Pwllheli, Lia has gone onto study Life Skills in college and grown into a confident young person.