Case Study | Empowering a Young Person to Rebuild Confidence and Independence

A young person was referred to our Targeted Support Team after experiencing long-term anxiety and low self-esteem, rooted in earlier experiences of bullying. Despite these challenges, the young person showed a strong desire to grow, reconnect socially, and build a more positive future.

Together with our support worker, the young person co-created goals focused on enhancing social confidence, reducing anxiety, and developing essential life skills to support their transition into adulthood. This collaborative approach placed the young person’s strengths and aspirations at the centre of the intervention.

Over the course of 16 personalised one-to-one sessions, the young person engaged in a wide range of activities and learning opportunities, including:

• Exploring emotions and healthy relationships
• Practising coping strategies for anxiety
• Setting future goals and building routines
• Learning budgeting and cooking skills
• Developing time management and job application skills
• Visiting a local care home to explore volunteering opportunities
• Gaining insight into fact vs. opinion and building critical thinking

Growth and Positive Outcomes

By the end of the intervention, the young person’s self-assessment showed:

• A significant increase in self-esteem
• Greater willingness to attend college regularly
• A more positive outlook on the future

They began applying the skills they had developed, including budgeting and cooking, and took proactive steps toward their career goals. Notably, they obtained a provisional driver’s license to support their ambition of becoming a carer for the elderly—demonstrating increased independence and motivation.

Lasting Impact and Reflections

The young person continues to stay in touch with their support worker, sharing updates on their progress and new friendships. They’ve built healthy social connections, expanded their confidence, and taken tangible steps toward employment.

They shared:

“Positive Futures has helped me to be more confident, to be more knowledgeable with my finances, and to meet new people.”

This case highlights how strengths-based, person-centred support can empower young people to overcome barriers, build life skills, and take ownership of their future with confidence and hope.