How Consistent Support Helped KW Reach Their Goals

FARE's Schools service supports young people to build confidence, develop resilience and overcome barriers that may be affecting their wellbeing, education or future aspirations.

When KW joined secondary school, they were facing a number of challenges. Following a recent diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and anxiety, they struggled with change, found it difficult to build positive relationships and experienced periods of poor attendance and low wellbeing.

KW began engaging with FARE in S1 and received ongoing support throughout their school journey. Through group work, one-to-one support and regular conversations around relationships, confidence, mental health and coping strategies, KW developed greater resilience and began building healthier ways of managing challenges.

As their confidence grew, KW embraced opportunities that would previously have felt overwhelming. They volunteered at holiday programmes, supported P7 transition events and discovered a passion for working with children and young people. These experiences helped develop their confidence, communication skills and future aspirations.

In S5, KW was offered a part-time college course linked to their interests but initially refused to attend due to anxiety around travelling independently. After receiving transport training from FARE, they gained the confidence to travel on public transport and began attending college regularly.

Later that year, KW completed FARE's Barista Skills and Employability Award programmes, achieving both qualifications and building further confidence in a group setting. Having previously struggled with new experiences, KW successfully stepped outside their comfort zone and embraced new opportunities.

Today, KW has secured a place at college studying Early Years Education and is excited about the future.

Their journey demonstrates how consistent support, positive relationships and opportunities for personal development can help young people build confidence, overcome barriers and progress towards their goals.