TRAIN: Theo’s Story

Theo was referred to TRAIN’s Primary Mentoring programme. Within the referral, Theo was described as presenting with anger, shouting, verbal aggression and periods of shutting down. School had been a difficult environment for him, and there had also been challenges at home, with previous social care involvement with the family and a history of trauma impacting his experiences.

TRAIN’s support

Theo joined our Primary Mentoring programme, working alongside a small group of peers. Sessions focused on identifying emotions, exploring what sat behind his anger and shutdown, practising ways to communicate feelings, and building strengths and resilience. Theo was invested in the sessions and engaged with the support offered, gradually developing trust in the youth worker and the group.

Although anger and shutdown were how Theo had been described to us, we saw a different side of him within sessions. We did not see anger or aggression; we saw a young person who was often frustrated at not feeling listened to or understood. We made sure Theo felt he had a place within the group, that he was valued, and that he deserved support.

There were occasions where Theo needed to leave sessions for the sake of other young people's engagement due to persistent low-level disruption. However, he came back every week, returning stronger and with increasing trust in the youth worker and the group. His willingness to keep returning demonstrated his commitment to the relationship and the space that had been created for him. Over time, it became a common sight to see Theo laughing, smiling, and being open and honest about his experiences and the challenges he was facing.

Beyond the sessions

Once the Primary Mentoring block finished, Theo chose to continue engaging with TRAIN within his community. He attended our festival and then went on to attend a TRAIN youth session, bringing his sister and a friend with him. He also began building new friendships and engaging positively with other young people.

Staff recognised Theo’s effort, perseverance and willingness to continue engaging. It was powerful to see the impact of positive recognition and encouragement, with simple compliments helping Theo move from uncertainty and worry to confidence and a smile on his face again.

Transition to secondary school

Through the relationships built during Primary Mentoring, Theo will begin secondary school with trusted adults who already know him, understand his experiences, and recognise his strengths. During his transition day, TRAIN youth workers were able to work alongside the school’s Transition Lead to share knowledge, identify where additional support may be helpful, and plan follow-up support.

TRAIN’s continued involvement will provide consistency throughout this next stage of Theo’s journey - maintaining trusted relationships, encouraging him to access new opportunities, and ensuring he has a network of support around him as he navigates the challenges and opportunities of secondary school.