Parent of a young person at a partner secondary school – July 2021 Testimonial.
“I just wanted to email with thanks to a gradual year of helping our son. He has come a long way, socially and emotionally. Attainment at school has improved, with feeling confident and able to attend classes. He doesn’t always get his day right but his improvement at school is a credit to yours and his own efforts.
We know how important and vital education is but what that looks like for our son is something we have all struggled and strived to achieve. Through determination and the belief of a teaching assistant in his school, he and we were introduced to Kendleshire Kids Foundation and Youth8, working at the Kendleshire Golf Club. The teaching assistant knew that our son enjoyed sports, therefore thought a combination of sports/mentoring would help him break barriers and openly talk. Communication and sharing how he feels is hard for him so this was an opportunity to try the programme.
You and your team, Ben, (youth engagement lead) have made such a difference in his life so far. You have all built trust and a safe environment for him to experience his struggles and learn how to make/express feelings, helping him make better choices for himself.
You are all really making the difference to our son, who has had such a struggle. We have tried hard to support school and education but at times this has posed very tricky.
Thank you for your commitment and belief that our son has a future! What his provision looks like now is due to understanding the why, how and that belief, understanding that ‘all’ children can have an education but may need extra emotional intervention. That one path is not always the same for everyone and that’s okay.
Our son experiences more good days than bad in school and is more relaxed at home, willing to communicate much better about his day. Your support has had a definite impact on his school/everyday life.
Always read my emails before I send them. Upon reading through, it was quite emotional and I have to say, made me cry. Incredibly proud of our son and the journey he has experienced. Thank you for your continued support. We are so very grateful.”