I would recommend the programme because it increases the children’s learning, and you can learn in more ways than people notice.
On our Teens and Toddlers programme, the young people gain greater self-confidence and self-esteem by becoming mentors to toddlers in a local nursery. They build nurturing relationships with their mentees, creating a unique opportunity for mutual growth and support.
Before Teens and Toddlers, Tia, 14, was dealing with personal challenges which led to low confidence and feelings of worry. Her attendance at school decreased as she doubted her abilities and was left feeling overwhelmed.
In the first few sessions, Tia didn’t feel confident enough to get involved in the activities with her peers and the other toddlers, so she would often sit quietly observing the sessions or would do some colouring in by herself in the corner.
Despite finding it hard to engage, Tia continued to turn up every week. After a few weeks of encouragement from Rachel, her Programme Lead, Tia started to get more involved with the group activities, and from here, she began to show an interest in learning about her mentee, Eden, who is autistic.
Rachel, her Programme Lead said:
Tia recognised that she and Eden had things in common, so she began to talk to her and ask her questions. They formed a bond straight away and started reading together, drawing and talking about Disney films
Now that Tia was opening up to her mentee, she started to feel a lot more comfortable in the sessions.
Tia was a great support and role model for Eden. Rachel said, “One day Eden was very upset and hid behind a curtain to isolate herself.”
“She showed the staff a new technique on how to regulate autistic children where she gently rubbed Eden’s earlobes and talked to her. This calmed Eden and afterwards they both sat and read a book together. We couldn’t believe how brilliantly Tia handled the situation – she was a natural!”
Tia’s gentle approach also benefited other children in the group. She was fantastic at calming them down and encouraging them to sit on the carpet to join in with a game.
Her friendship with Eden helped Tia realise she had a lot to offer, both to Eden and to herself. By making a positive impact on Eden’s life, Tia began to feel more positive about her own.
Tia grew in confidence and started to believe in her abilities. No longer isolating herself, she greeted her peers without prompt and shared her ideas with others.
Tia’s transformation has been amazing, and I am so proud of her. Even when she struggles, she always gets back up and tries again. Her determination is fantastic!
Tia now expresses her feelings, her self-worth has increased, and she has better attendance at school.
Throughout their time together, Tia and Eden both inspired and supported one another, and felt happier in their lives as a result.
