Part of the Lawnswood School Family Support and Youth Work project, our Youth Workers support young people identified by the school to increase attendance, improve mental health, build resilience and support positive peer relationships. Rachel* was supported by a Youth Worker based at their school, this story shares their journey.
Rachel experienced bullying and found it difficult to form friendships. They have anxiety and self-harm behaviours. Rachel repeatedly did not attend school or lessons and formed unhealthy relationships with older students.
Barca-Leeds provided one to one weekly support sessions with structured activities looking at affirmation exercises, anger regulation, grounding techniques and the importance of diet and sleep. We arranged for a quiet working space at the school where they could work, and Rachel attended youth work groups to meet others.
The Youth Worker gained their trust and Rachel felt supported and started to use coping strategies to manage their anxiety and other triggers. Attendance at school and engagement with schoolwork improved and new friendships were formed.
Next steps include working with school staff to manage a return to lessons, building friendships within the year group and to continue with structured activities that help to support self-regulation and reduce self-harm.
*Names changed to protect identities
