Young People’s Stories

Don’t just take it from us, hear from our older young people who have been supported by us and moved on from the project but still stay in touch. They know we will always be here for them! Some real success stories here!

Callie

How did you first meet the team and get involved with ADYP?

“I first met you lot at my school when you had the gazebo sessions there at lunch when I was 11. I then started meeting you guys on the green by my house when you did Street Work and we just had lots of fun, even when it was freezing!”


What support did you receive from the team?


“Where to start really? Roxy has always been there for me, she has supported me through times when I had fallen out with my family, helped me managed my mental health over the years, offered advice when I needed it but most recently helped me with my college application, CV and finding work.”

Favourite memory from a session?
“That time with the inflatable football people. I cant remember who it was but they went flying! We had a great laugh that day! Even though we all were soaked with sweat. Also, the Intergenerational Bingo was great I still speak to them when they walk to the shop!”

What are you up to now?

“I’m now 18 and currently a barmaid in a local bar but Roxy helped me get into college and complete a hair styling course where I also worked in a salon.”

Curtis

How did you first meet the team and get involved with ADYP?

“I first met the team in my school, I thought it was weird there being a gazebo in the middle of the court so I went to see what was happening. From there I started going to the sessions in the community by my shops because there was always a debate or something fun to chat about with the workers.”

What support did you receive from the team?

“Most of the support I had was to help me make better choices with my behaviour but as I got older Roxy and James helped me make a CV and apply for apprenticeship during some 121 times. They continued that support to keep me focussed through out as I’m not very patient and wanted to give up and it took a long time to come through.”

Favourite memory from a session?

“There’s so many to choose from but recently walking up to the group in the rain in the middle of winter after work to catch the gazebo from flying off down the road will stick with me for a while.”

What are you up to now?

“I’ve now finished my apprenticeship and working on the roads with a highway management company. I’m really enjoying it even though it has been hard work. Without ADYP id still be doing the same dumb things I was doing at 14.”

Charlie

How did you first meet the team and get involved with ADYP?

“I met the ADYP whilst in primary school, they used to come in and do gazebo sessions with us! I really liked the staff they seemed to just ‘get’ us and didn’t keep moaning at us for being loud.”

What support did you receive from the team?

“ADYP supported me whilst looking for work once I left school on a 121 basis. They helped me to design a CV, which secured me an apprenticeship. They also helped to change the way I thought about certain subjects which opened my mind so much. In general just attending the drop-in helped me change as a person for the better.”

Favourite memory from a session?

“My favourite sessions were sports activities. These sessions were interactive and enjoyable. We played things such as football, rounders and badminton.”

What are you up to now?

“I am now currently self employed doing landscaping and I really enjoy it but when I can I always pop down and see the team and try and help out with the sports. They were my role models, now i want to be a role model for the next lot coming through.”

This charity has made a massive impact on my life, helping me grow in confidence & giving me opportunities to explore different avenues. As a child I looked up to the role models of this charity, particularly Roxy, and was given an amazing opportunity to be employed as a young youth worker. One of my favourite projects was The Sutton Girls projects which was all about women empowerment!

This is a charity that definitely makes a difference.

Ciara – 21

“Roxy helped me write my C.V and apply for local jobs as I didn’t feel confident enough to apply by myself – nor did I have the skills or know how to survive in the work place.”

 Holly – 16

“Workshops helped me to understand and control my emotions because of Damascus, I learnt how to have a positive relationship with an adult.” 

Michael – 14