Case Study | Bullying and Struggles with Mental Health

A young person who hadn’t been attending school for several months, was recently referred into us. Their attendance record was 0% before the Targeted Support Worker began supporting them. During this time, the young person had reported experiencing bullying from their peers within school and within the community. This had a negative impact on her emotional wellbeing and mental health, and also led to the YP being socially isolated and not spending time with their friends within the local community, or at their home environment.

What support was provided?

In response to this, we provided 19 1-2-1 support sessions, that included:

• Providing a safe space for the young person to talk through feelings/emotions and worries
• Advocacy and attendance at meetings with school and other professionals
• Attending local community centres to source ideas for socialisation for the YP
• Confidence/self-esteem sessions
• Coping strategies for resilience
• Increasing mindfulness techniques
• Introduction to CBT techniques

What were the outcomes of our intervention?

The YP reported significant changes in their mental health and emotional wellbeing after intervention. They adopted specific strategies for coping which were personal to them, showing a further increase in independence and autonomy.

The young person’s attendance in the term prior to our intervention was 0%. However, during the following term, their attendance increased to 50%. Although the young person struggles to attend school each day, it is clear that there has been an increase in motivation and commitment compared to previously.

Through 1-2-1 support, the young person has been provided with the skills to improve resilience and confidence, not just with school but day-to-day life, so we are hopeful that attendance will continue to increase.

What was the impact of the intervention on the Individual?

The young person and their parents have both said that the young person has increased their socialisation, they have been going out with friends a lot more recently and also have been inviting their friends around to their house.

The young person’s Mum has said she has seen a significant increase in the young person’s mood, and she is “happier in herself”, has increased confidence, is calmer and has less emotional outbursts at home.

The young person themselves said: “You’ve really helped me with going back to school and with my mental health. You’ve always been there, and been someone I could talk to. I’m so grateful for these couple of months and I really appreciate you for understanding me when I felt misunderstood. Thank you.”