A Joined-Up Approach in Action: EW & Mum

FARE works with young people and families across our Schools, Employability and Community services, providing support that responds to individual needs and helps people achieve their goals. EW and her mum's journey is a powerful example of how this joined-up approach can create lasting change.

When EW first engaged with FARE in S2, she was a very anxious young person who lacked confidence in herself and her abilities. She would often present as tearful, bounce her legs due to anxiety and regularly leave classes when she felt overwhelmed.

EW had experienced significant challenges throughout her childhood. She grew up in a single-parent household and never knew her father. Her mum faced her own difficulties with substance misuse and mental health, which understandably impacted family life. Despite these challenges, EW continued to attend school and engage with support.

From S2 onwards, EW received ongoing support through FARE's Schools services. In S3, regular mentoring sessions began and continued throughout the remainder of her secondary school journey. The focus of this support centred around building confidence, emotional resilience, self-esteem, school engagement, family relationships, future aspirations and positive mental health.

Through consistent support and a trusting relationship, EW developed the confidence to express herself, advocate for her needs and seek support when required.

Alongside individual support, EW and her mum participated in family support sessions. These provided a safe and structured environment where they could communicate openly and work through challenges together. Whilst these conversations were initially difficult, both demonstrated commitment, honesty and resilience throughout the process.

As EW continued to grow in confidence, her mum also began engaging with opportunities available through FARE. Having overcome significant personal challenges, she was determined to build a more positive future for herself and her family. Through FARE's Employability services, she completed Childcare training, achieved qualifications in Mental Health Awareness and Mental Health First Aid, and undertook a placement within a local nursery.

These opportunities helped her build confidence, develop new skills and recognise her own strengths and potential.

Throughout her journey, EW faced further adversity when her Papa, who had been her father figure throughout her life, became ill and later passed away. During this period, she struggled emotionally and found school particularly difficult. Despite her grief, she continued to engage with support and remained focused on her goals.

As EW's confidence grew, she began taking on opportunities that would once have felt out of reach. She completed Mental Health Awareness training, became a Mental Health Ambassador within school and volunteered at holiday programmes, supporting younger children and developing valuable leadership skills.

She successfully passed her school examinations, passed her driving test at the age of 17 and secured a place at university to study Criminology.

The young person who once struggled with anxiety, regularly left classes and lacked confidence became a confident, articulate and resilient young woman. She is no longer afraid to speak her mind, advocate for herself and pursue her ambitions.

For EW, progressing to university represented far more than academic success. It reflected years of determination, resilience and personal growth. For her mum, completing training, gaining qualifications and accessing new opportunities helped build confidence and create positive pathways for her own future.

Together, their story demonstrates the power of FARE's joined-up approach. Through opportunity and support delivered across our Schools, Employability and Community services, both EW and her mum were able to overcome barriers, strengthen relationships, build confidence and create brighter futures for themselves.

"I don't know where I would be if it wasn't for you. Thank you for everything you've done and for being part of my life." - EW

"No amount of money could ever repay you for the support and help you have given us. It will never be forgotten." - EW’s Mum