Leah is a young person who took part in our Future Selph programme, this story demonstrates the impact it had on her…
As part of our mental health work, we are one of the providers for the service FutureSelph which supports and promotes the well-being of young adults aged 16-25 by equipping and empowering them to overcome life’s challenges.
Leah, aged 16, is one of the young people who has completed the programme, she has been working with our organisation since September and has been on a journey to build her confidence and find ways to manage her anxiety. Youth Workers have seen Leah’s growth and development over the course of the programme, but let’s hear about it from Leah herself…
“I came to Future Selph because I was struggling with my anxiety, I couldn’t even hang out with friends and barely left the house. I was extremely nervous coming into the first session. However, after I felt a lot more comfortable as I felt as though people liked me being there, and I actually looked forward to the sessions.
My favourite experience whilst being a part of the programme was when the youth workers took us on a garden centre trip. I enjoyed walking around being in nature and taking care of the plant I received from the trip. I learnt how to effectively use the five senses method, and to pay attention to the detail in my surroundings. FutureSelph has helped me with being more independent by helping with trying to find me a job and has helped me to manage my anxiety more effectively.
Now, I am still focusing on working towards my future and finding a job. After my programme finished, I was referred on to Turning Point to continue receiving support with various issues, and I am content and much more able to cope with my anxiety independently.”
Leah is one of the many young people that have been a part of FutureSelph; she has built strong and meaningful relationships with Youth Workers. This has helped her become more independent, self-assured, and prepared for the next steps in her life. After the programme finished Leah went onto present to our Board of Trustees about what she had gained from the programme and has signed up to be a part of the Young Leaders Panel for The Youth Association.