What you said
always means more..

Over the last couple of weeks the group work is the reason why I come
to school. It’s the only thing I look forward to. I like listening to
Kaz and Jake talking about their lives and they see good in everyone. It
puts me in a better mood.

CW

I have really enjoyed the VIBE Youth Group visiting us. It has been a
great experience for me. Listening to their stories has made me realise
that there is hope for my future career under any circumstance. Jake
and Kaz have also given me some strategies of dealing with my mental
health and well-being. And I would highly recommend the group to other
young people who are suffering also.

C

Amazing. Inspiring. Understanding. I’ve really enjoyed it. They don’t judge me.

CW

I liked being around Jake and Kaz over these last few weeks. They
have made me realise that there is mostly reasons for the things I do,
how I feel and how I act and that I need to see more positive than the
negative.

AJ

I referred a group of some of our most vulnerable young people into
the VIBE project who experience a range of problems including risk
taking behaviours, truancy, low self-esteem and self-harm. I have been
amazed at the level of engagement from the group. They have spoken daily
about looking forward to the next sessions and have talked me through
some of the strategies they have learnt, so eager have they been to
share their newfound knowledge and skills. In addition to this, pupils
have attended school on days where they would normally not (due to work
experience etc) as they didn’t want to miss sessions – testimony in
itself!

The group have benefited from being in a 100% positive environment
and have commented that they have never been exposed to so many
compliments and such praise which has left them with the “feel good”
factor – long after the sessions have finished. (The individual reports
were a lovely touch). I have noticed the pupils reflecting on their
actions and discussing consequences, where this has not been the case
previously.

I think the most long-lasting effect on the group will be that Kaz
and Jake have shown them that they do have a choice in determining their
futures and that they have the ability to achieve even in the most
difficult of circumstances – they’ve given them hope. On a personal
level it has made me reflect on my own approaches and made me put a
spotlight on my own practices.

Leanne Evans Well-being Officer, Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun.