Building Confidence Through Inclusive Community Activities: RF's Story

FARE's StreetwYze programme supports young people to explore the consequences of risk-taking behaviour, make informed decisions and build confidence in themselves and their future.

MC was referred to FARE's StreetwYze programme due to concerns around low school attendance, disengagement from education and involvement in risk-taking behaviour within the community. At the time of referral, he relied heavily on his peer group to attend school and would often miss classes or leave the school environment when his friends were absent. Staff were also concerned about some of the choices he was making outside school.

Over the eight-week StreetwYze programme, MC showed a level of commitment that had not previously been seen within school. He attended sessions every week and actively engaged in discussions around topics including knife crime, substance misuse, anti-social behaviour and the consequences of offending behaviour. Through educational inputs and visits, he gained a greater understanding of how his decisions can impact both his present and future.

As the programme progressed, MC developed a positive relationship with the youth worker and became increasingly confident sharing his views, asking questions and contributing to group discussions. He demonstrated increased maturity, curiosity and willingness to reflect on his choices.

Positive changes were also noticed within school. Staff reported improved attendance, better engagement in classes and a more positive attitude towards learning. Importantly, MC began attending school more regularly regardless of whether his peers were present, demonstrating increased confidence and independence in his decision-making.

His growing confidence also led him to participate in opportunities he had previously declined. He enrolled on the Construction Aware programme, achieved his Mental Health First Aid qualification and expressed an interest in gaining further qualifications in the future.

Today, MC is more engaged in school, more confident in making positive decisions and more optimistic about his future.

His journey highlights the impact that trusted relationships, early intervention and targeted youth work can have in helping young people overcome barriers and reach their potential.