Megan* (15) has been a regular attendee of Blend sessions. Over the last years, Megan has built a strong relationship with the youth workers, and eventually opened up to them about how she was struggling with her mental health and relationships at with her siblings and parents. The youth workers offered mentoring support, and after discussions with Meghan’s school, she began a mentoring programme with Blend, with sessions taking place weekly at school.
The mentoring focused on mental health, relationships, self-esteem, confidence, and encouraging Megan to be equipped for learning. With the use of creative tools, Megan engaged in meaningful conversations, allowing targeted support to take place.
At the start of the mentoring programme, Megan’s school attendance was 50%, she didn’t carry a school bag or any equipment, and her behaviour was a concern for the school. Through mentoring and supporting Megan, she has improved at school.
The school have been really pleased with Meghan’s progress and the Deputy Headteacher at Megan’s school commented:
“Megan did her practical mock for Food yesterday and did a fabulous job! She is doing so well; her attendance is up 20% since the start of the year and behaviour incidents have decreased. She continues to be well presented and has her bag! Thanks so much for your support, I know she really appreciates it and so do we!“
Reflecting on her journey, Megan shared that before mentoring, she felt “alive but didn’t feel like I was there. Now my attendance has improved and my mental health has gone way up. I feel so much better in myself, I feel like I’m actually here and actually alive.”
*name changed to preserve anonymity