Bullied as a teenager and forced to navigate life with a chronic illness, one young woman is now using those experiences to empower and support others facing their own challenges.

That young woman is Tiannah Winchester, who launched the Youth Empowerment for Chronic Illness Foundation in Tobago on Friday.

Recalling some of the challenges she faced during her transition to secondary school, when her illness had affected her physical appearance, Ms Winchester said the Foundation is dedicated to providing support, advocacy and resources for children and young people living with chronic illnesses.