A YOUNG Glasgow woman has told how experiencing violence during a difficult childhood in Govan made her turn her life around.

Morgan, 19, has opened up about falling through the cracks as a child from an underprivileged background.

This comes as new research reveals those living in the poorest parts of the country are three times more likely to die before they reach their 25th birthday than those in the most affluent communities.

The Govan teenager moved to the area at just a few months old and witnessed violence in the home from early on.

READ MORE: Glasgow alcohol deaths down as experts point to minimum unit pricing

She said: "As I got older my friends were drinking, taking drugs and getting involved in gangs. I started skipping school, getting bad grades and none of my teachers seemed to care. I guess that’s what they expected from a girl like me. One night I was walking home and got injured by a bottle thrown at me by a gang of young people fighting. That was when I decided to make a change.

Morgan began attending youth groups organised by Aberlour Child Care Trust, and now studies law.

The trust, which works with vulnerable young people, commissioned Dr Morag Treanor, to carry out the latest research.

Johnny Hendry, youth worker at Aberlour’s Youthpoint Service in Govan, said: “A lot of young people we work with come from chaotic backgrounds, their parents have mental health problems, drug or alcohol addictions, and many are living in poverty.

"What young people in these situations need is somebody that’s going to listen to them, believe in them, and support them.

READ MORE: Population in Glasgow's deprived areas increases

"When you help a young person like Morgan change the path they are on for the better, it is so rewarding.

"But for every young person we help, there are countless others right across Scotland that we can’t reach, and it comes down to funding."

The study, which was the first of its kind, revealed males up to the age of 24 were three times more likely to die from external causes than girls and young women.

Males and females in the poorest parts of society were three times more likely to die from external causes than the least deprived.

Campaigners are now calling for the Scottish Government to take action, including additional funding for communities and public spending which prioritises child wellbeing.

READ MORE: Poverty payout for 37,000 families across Glasgow

Aberlour CEO SallyAnn Kelly said: "Looking ahead to the future, it’s time for a conversation about how we end the unacceptable consequences of poverty in this country.

"We need a political response that meets the needs of vulnerable young people and matches the generosity and support of Scotland’s people.”

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "We recognise the damaging impact poverty can have on young lives, that is why we have set in statute our ambition to eradicate child poverty in Scotland.

"Our Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan sets out the concrete actions we will take to deliver progress.

"These include investing £22 million in a package of new employability support for parents, helping families to work and earn more, launching our new Best Start Grant and providing financial support to low-income families across the early years - backed by £21 million this year."