This week’s mentor reports tell a clear story: when young people are given time, choice and support built around their interests, engagement can begin to change surprisingly quickly.
What progress looked like this week
From nervousness to participation
One young person began their first session quiet, reserved and unsure. A calm, low-pressure approach gave them time to settle. Through nature and physical activity, they gradually communicated more, tried unfamiliar experiences and finished the session feeling safe, happy and included.
New experiences, real confidence
Another young person managed their anxiety to enter unfamiliar environments, take part in new activities and make independent choices. What may appear to be an everyday experience represented an important step towards greater confidence, independence and self-belief.
Encouraging education progress
Reports also recorded positive feedback from school, successful engagement with maths and English, and growing pride in written work. Mentors reinforced these successes with specific praise, consistent expectations and activities connected to each young person’s goals.
The activity opens the door.
The relationship creates the change.
Fitness, nature, games and community activities created opportunities to practise communication, manage emotions, make positive choices and accept trusted guidance. Mentors also held honest conversations about risks and safer decision-making—because young people felt comfortable enough to talk.
Worried about a young person who is becoming difficult to reach?
TWMAD provides relationship-led, specialist intervention shaped around the individual. We help young people take achievable steps towards engagement, stability and positive change.
This bulletin draws on anonymised mentor session reports. Personal details and safeguarding information are never included.