"I like to take care of my pets. I should do the same for myself, really. It's getting better, though: I do things I enjoy more often. For instance, I play the drums at Antwerp Music City. I used to do voluntary work there too. I also eat more regularly, which I used to find challenging.

I find it difficult to say what I like most about the way I look. Probably my piercings and tattoos. That's what made the photo shoot so much fun. I learned a lot about myself. When I saw the photos, I thought, wow, I didn't know I could look like this! It was a real confidence boost."

Fun and educational photo session

"I received individual counselling at Binnenste Buiten and am also a customer in the store. This place means a lot to me. They are always very supportive and helpful here. When I had to go to the hospital for an operation, social worker Eva came along with me. The warmth and kindness, from everyone here, will always stay with me.

I had just been going through a tough breakup. But I was dealing with it better than I thought. I can see now that I am growing as a person and getting to know myself better and better."

Warm place full of meaning

Age: 28 years

Born in: Aalst, Belgium

Emilina Verdonck

Read the stories