Born in Brazil, Sao Paulo, Miguel Lacerda grew up in a broken home and suffered physical and emotional abuse as a child.

He was not an advocate for marriage having seen the painful breakdown of his parents’ relationship and that of his older sister.

However, an invitation to the VYG marked a pivotal change of events in his young life. The realisation that he could change and do better motivated him to believe that good things in life were achievable. He learned how to confidently apply the positive messages he heard at the VYG to become independent in his decisions.

Happily married to Ana Lacerda, Miguel has battled against early depression and family pain to become a confident and self-fulfilled mentor over one thousand youths across the UK.

Miguel and his wife currently offer free advice to people facing difficulties overcoming past hurts, traumatic experiences, insecurities, depression and more via the VYG. He is currently responsible for the Youth Group in the UK, which has more than 15 branches.