I’ve started going into school and I have more methods to help cope with managing emotions. I go out on walks every day now.
We’re seeing a growing number of young people whose worries are affecting their everyday life. A 2023 report by the Children’s Commissioner found that anxiety was the most common reason children were referred for mental health treatment.
Although Isla would wake up each morning, get dressed in her school uniform and prepare for the day ahead, the thought of going to school felt overwhelming. She was often unable to leave her bedroom even though she was fully dressed for school.
She said, “I found getting through the school gates difficult and struggled to spend time in school. The amount of people in school made me feel anxious.”
Early intervention can make all the difference to a young person’s future. At Power2, we help young people build confidence and reconnect with education and the world around them before their challenges become even harder to overcome.
Through our one-to-one mentoring programme, Machie, one of our Programme Leads, became Isla’s mentor supporting her to feel better and believe in herself again, one step at a time.
Machie said: “Isla was a shy young person when I first met her. I knew that the most important thing was building a strong relationship with her, so she’d feel comfortable to talk about her feelings with me.”
“I introduced an icebreaker activity that gave us a chance to talk about topics that Isla was genuinely interested in.”
“We also bonded over board games – we loved playing Ludo!” said Machie.
As their sessions progressed, Machie supported Isla to identify her positive qualities, strengths and achievements so she could challenge negative thoughts about herself and build a more positive self-image.
Additionally, Isla and Machie discussed practical techniques that Isla could use when she felt worried or overwhelmed. These included listening to music, using her senses to notice things she could see, touch, hear and smell, and going for walks.
As Isla had a family dog, Machie especially encouraged her to take the dog for short walks as walking could combine several of these techniques.
She found that walking helped quieten her racing thoughts, regulate her breathing and she felt calmer.
Gradually, Isla started leaving the house more.
“I didn’t go out much [before the programme] but it’s made me more positive about going outside,” said Isla.
From this point on, Machie noticed Isla become more relaxed and engaged in their conversations, not only answering Machie’s questions but asking her own too. She showed a genuine curiosity about Machie’s life and interests.
“Isla’s personality began to shine through. She was bubbly and chatty. The difference in her compared to the beginning of the programme was huge,” said Machie.
With coping strategies in place and growing confidence, Isla felt more positive about the future. Her worries lessened and, as a result, her school attendance improved significantly.
“I’ve started going into school and I have more methods to help cope with managing emotions. I go out on walks every day now,” said Isla.
Inspired by the support she received from Machie, Isla is now considering a career where she can help others.
I want to go to college and hopefully get a job one day, maybe as a counsellor because I like to help people.
