Supporting a Young Person Back into Education
A 13-year-old male was referred to Youth Unity by his mother, seeking support with education and mentoring. The young person was struggling with low self-esteem, emotional regulation, and was at risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour (ASB) due to mixing with other young people who were not in compulsory education.
The young person has been diagnosed with ADHD and is suspected to have undiagnosed dyslexia. During his time at a small village primary school, his behaviour was managed effectively through tailored interventions, such as allowing him to run around the field when he became frustrated in the classroom. However, the transition to secondary school proved overwhelming. In Year 7, he faced numerous fixed-term exclusions due to challenges in adjusting to the new environment.
Concerned for his mental health, his mother decided it was not in his best interests to return to the school in Year 8, opting instead for elective home education. Recognising the challenges associated with this decision, she sought help from Youth Unity to provide mentoring and educational support.
Since engaging with Youth Unity, the young person has participated in regular mentoring sessions, and support has been provided to help him rebuild his confidence and develop strategies to manage his emotions. In February, following months of guidance and encouragement, the young person made the decision to return to mainstream education. Youth Unity remains committed to supporting him during this transition and has offered to continue working with him, especially if he begins with a part-time timetable to ease back into the school environment.
This case highlights the importance of tailored support and mentoring in helping young people overcome barriers to education and emotional well-being. Through consistent engagement and a personalized approach, Youth Unity has helped this young person take a significant step towards rebuilding his educational journey and improving his future prospects.
