Background of Case Study
We have a young person that attends our Everton Junior session and has done for around about a year and half. When this young person joined our provision, his behaviour and attitudes tended to disrupt both his own wellbeing and sessions staff were delivering. We learned that they had ongoing issues and was on the pathway for a diagnosis for a mental health condition. As the weeks went by we began to learn more about this young person and their interests; which we used to tailor the work done with them and lead to better engagement.
Parents/Guardians told us that they often struggle at home as managing behaviour can be strenuous when the young person is having a bad day.
Sports Alive work undertaken: Project involvement – Sessional Work
We learned that this young person responded well to responsibility and a sense of authority. Therefore, we began to give them small roles within each of the sessions they attended in order to promote their engagement and build up positive relationships with both staff members and other attendees. This came through helping out in the kitchen and setting up sporting activities for the group.
Key findings and area for development
By allowing this young person to take an active role in sessions, they have developed a really positive relationship with a staff member and has allowed them to channel some of the issues in a different way. The young person tended to lash out if provoked and become very angry and confused to why. As the relationship with the staff member began to form, the young person would begin to speak to staff rather than retaliate. They have asked staff at this point if the done the right thing, to which positive reinforcement has been implemented.
This continues to progress and is far from being perfect; but progress is clear in comparison to the initial engagement. Our main area for development will be to plan provision for this young person to continue to engage with, having the aim to push structure; leading to positive development.
Summarise the Case Study:
This young person has come a long way already and the scope for further development can only be seen as positive. We will continue to support the young person and their family as they are still going through the diagnosis process to achieve further support.
Parents/Guardians have said that they have noticed a difference since we have started working with this young person and are grateful for the services that we offer to them and the wider community.