Mila*, a student at Youth Education Service (YES), often said she was too ill to attend class and struggled with her anxiety, particularly around new social groups. Missing classes increased her anxiety around coming back to study at YES. She also suffered with low mental health, and she felt suicidal. Her tutors were concerned that she was becoming dependent on YES for support and social interaction and it was important for her to build a support network outside of YES.
Evie, Support and Progression Coach, met Mila outside of YES and they spoke about her feelings around returning to YES. Mila said she felt nervous about getting the bus the first time she returned to YES, and it would help if Evie could go with her. Having Evie with her really helped Mila, and she found it easy to remember the bus route.
On the bus, Evie used some techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and talked with Mila about her anxieties—like feeling scared that everyone was looking at her. ACT helped Mila notice those thoughts but not let them take control or decide what she does.
Once Mila started coming to YES more regularly, Evie encouraged her to try something new by joining a gardening group at Redcatch Community Garden. She really enjoyed it, and since then, she’s been confident enough to go to the group on her own and help in the garden café.
Evie also helped Mila join a week-long photography course at The Prince’s Trust, which ended with an exhibition. Mila felt proud of herself for facing her nerves about joining and meeting new people. She made friends and is really pleased with the work she created.
Mila returned to YES even though she felt anxious about coming back. She found that trying new things and stepping into new situations can be a positive experience—and that she’s able to make new friends along the way. She also showed real courage in asking for support with things like going to the community garden and joining the photography course.
Share has also shared that she’d like to find a job. Inspired by her time helping out in the Redcatch Community Garden’s café—and with Evie’s ongoing support—she said she’d love to work in a local café.
Without the Support and Progression role, Mila might not have returned to YES at all. The biggest impact of the support she received has been the opportunity to build a sustainable life beyond her time at YES.
*Name has been changed for privacy