Ella’s story reminds us all of the power of human connection and the impact that trusting, supportive relationships can have in helping young people overcome their challenges and build resilience. Ella was referred by her school to our Adventure Programme to help her build confidence, resilience and have time for herself away from home.
Post pandemic difficulties
The COVID pandemic had a significant impact on Ella. When she returned to the Adventure Programme after a long period of family isolation due to a family member’s health conditions, she was suffering with high levels of anxiety and having regular panic attacks. She found being around other young people overwhelming and often ended up distressed and in tears. Despite best efforts to support her, Ella did not feel able to complete her Adventure Programme. Ella’s Programme Manager hoped a referral to our Mentoring Programme would help her to overcome her fears.
A fresh start on the Mentoring Programme
Ella joined the Mentoring Programme in October 2022. This was her final year of school in which she would take her GCSE exams. Ella had some significant caring responsibilities for a family member, and alongside her own mental health difficulties, Ella had developed fears about her neighbourhood and going out alone.
These factors, on top of the family’s financial struggles and the recent death of another family member, meant Ella had not been doing anything beyond making it into school and had lost all of her confidence.
Despite all that was going on in Ella’s life, she had maintained a keen interest in history, was diligent with her school studies and continued to be an avid reader. She was looking for a mentor who was quiet, calm, and patient, and who would engage in activities with her. We were excited to match her with Julia; an upbeat, nurturing mentor whose experience with young people enabled her to offer exactly the right support for Ella. And so, they set off on their mentoring year together.
Ella’s Mentoring Aims:
- Gain confidence to go out on her own
- Buy things in shops and cafes
- Travel on public transport
Julia and Ella started to get to know one another in their early meet-ups through chats over hot chocolate, board games and colouring in. Whilst initially nervous, with Julia’s relaxed approach she soon started to enjoy the sessions. Ella had lots on her plate with revision sessions, mock exams and homework assignments and was prone to overworking herself and experiencing stress. Ella recognised that her mentoring sessions with Julia gave her a healthy break from her studies.
It made me de-stress from school, I think because it wasn’t on my mind constantly, I wasn’t at home worrying about it all the time.
Ella
Huge leaps for Ella
As time went on, Ella was growing in confidence. Towards the end of the year Ella took on the challenge of public transport – she and Julia visited a museum in Oxford and watched a play in London, travelling on buses each time. Julia’s reassuring, calm presence allowed Ella to overcome her difficulties.
By September, Ella had joined Sixth Form – she would be the first person in her family who had studied for A levels and had dreams of university abroad. In the final review meeting, it was clear to see the changes in Ella. She was more confident in talking, sharing stories of meeting up with friends, going into town and buying things from shops on her own, which would have been well beyond her reach 12 months ago.
I’ve loved it, it’s been very special and I’ve been very lucky to meet such a lovely young lady and her amazing family who have been very supportive.
Julia, Ella’s mentor
A true mentoring success
Mentoring came at a pivotal moment in Ella’s life and we are all hugely proud of her for everything that she achieved during the year. We look forward to keeping in touch and hearing how Ella gets on into her adult life.