Havering Amplify · In their own words
Straight from the workshops.
Every line here was said by a young person in a Havering classroom — anonymous, unedited, and chosen by them. First, what they told us about the sessions. Then, the honest things they told us about how they really feel.
The good news · What the sessions did
The workshops are working.
Before the harder truths, this is what young people said Amplify gave them — and it's backed up by how they showed up across the programme.
I liked being listened to.
It was good having a safe space.
The sessions made me feel calmer.
I felt more confident speaking.
I am learning about my emotions.
Emotions are normal.
The honest part · What they told us
And how they really feel.
These are harder to read — but they're the whole point. This is the insight Amplify exists to surface and act on.
Ask us how we feel.
School can feel overwhelming when there's constant pressure to achieve.
A lot of us are struggling but we hide it.
Sometimes it feels like we're expected to be perfect all the time.
Teachers need to care more.
We need more people in school who actually listen and understand.
Praise us more.
There's pressure to always look okay even when you're not.
Social media makes people feel like they have to look or act a certain way.
It would help if there were more safe spaces where we could just talk openly.
Sometimes you feel like nobody really understands what's going on.
Stop giving us isolation.
When teachers are supportive and encouraging, it makes a huge difference.
It's hard talking about feelings when you think people will laugh or judge you.
Being judged by others can make you feel isolated and left out.
We do not trust staff.
More activities and trips would help people feel more connected.
We need more adults in school that actually listen without judging.
I don't always trust that things will stay private.