Case Study | Dealing with Traumatic Events

A young person was referred to us following a traumatic event that had deeply affected their entire family, resulting in life-changing injuries to a sibling. Despite the emotional weight of this experience, the young person showed remarkable strength and openness to support, seeking guidance to navigate their emotions, rebuild confidence, and re-engage with their education.

Recognising the young person’s potential and readiness for growth, our Targeted Support Team delivered 20 personalised one-to-one sessions, designed to nurture their strengths and support their journey forward. These sessions focused on:

• Confidence and self-esteem building
• Understanding neurodiversity and self-awareness
• Developing effective coping strategies and emotional regulation
• Strengthening social skills and relationship-building
• Introducing CBT and mindfulness techniques
• Encouraging a positive mindset and openness to change

Progress in Education and Emotional Wellbeing

The young person remained in an alternative provision setting, where they began to thrive:

• They built positive relationships with staff, contributing to a sense of safety and belonging.
• There was a notable reduction in behavioural incidents, alongside an increase in positive rewards and fewer exclusions.
• The young person developed a greater understanding of their emotions, and began communicating more openly with their parents—strengthening family bonds and emotional support.

Holistic Family Support and Future Aspirations

In collaboration with the young person’s school, our Family Support Worker also engaged with the family, ensuring a holistic approach to care. The family actively participated in the support process, contributing to the young person’s progress.

Encouragingly, the young person has begun expressing positive interest in reintegrating into mainstream education, a testament to their growing confidence and resilience.

Reflections from the Family and Young Person

The young person’s father shared:

“My son has really benefited from working with Positive Futures. He has learnt loads and is implementing copingmechanisms he has been given to help himself when needed. Cannot wish for him to have a better worker than Karen, they have formed an amazing bond.”

The young person reflected:

“The support has helped me build positive relationships in school, helped me communicate my emotions better with my parents and I have tried new things with new people over the summer.”

This case highlights how strengths-based, trauma-informed support can empower young people to rebuild confidence, reconnect with education, and strengthen relationships—laying the foundation for long-term wellbeing and success.