In their words

We always involve young people in the interviewing of project staff.

Here are some of the young people’s thoughts on taking part in the interviews:

My experience of taking part in the interview panel was quite embarrassing as I have never interviewed anyone before but as I got to know the people it was quite fun and the experience was good and it gave us a chance to see what an interview would be like.

I enjoyed doing the interviews because it was something new and it was important because I was deciding someone’s career and I could have messed it up.  And it was good because we got to know other people’s views on young people and what we do.

I liked doing the interviews, it was good to be taken seriously.

The service was officially launched in October 2004. Young people were involved in making a video for the launch.

Here is one young person’s thoughts on making the video:

My experience of making the video was embarrassing at first because that was the first time I had done anything like that before. It was good as they had to listen to what we had to say for a change and show our opinions. I would enjoy the experience again if they were to do another video because I think our voices should be heard for a change.

Barnardo's have provided groupwork at Smithycroft, Lochend and St. Andrews Community High schools.

After a consultation with Teachers and Group Leaders from Lochend Community High, a small group of S1 boys were chosen to work on conflict resolution and personal responsibility. Barnardo's attended Lochend one period per week to deliver this course.

There is certainly room for reflection and evaluation by both Barnardo's and Lochend however this groupwork has been a valued and successful resource within Lochend. I would be delighted if Barnardo's and Lochend were able to continue to work together again next year to build on the success of this group and further develop the skills and abilities of the young people we both try to reach. (Behaviour Support Teacher)

Volunteer Mentoring

We have recently trained 15 new Volunteer Mentors and are currently pairing them up with young people. One of the project's young people helped deliver the training course. This helped with his development as well as helping provide the Mentors with the opportunity to get to know a local young person.  Here is some feedback from a Volunteer Mentor and a Mentee.

I first started mentoring because I felt it would give me some valuable experience in working with young people. I was already working in the Social Care field but wanted to move in a different direction. My experience of mentoring has been a really positive one. The young person and I have developed a good relationship which I feel we both get a lot out of. Most of the activities we do are usually based around having a bite to eat and a chat. I feel the mentoring relationship has primarily increased my young person's confidence to achieve goals that she had already identified for herself, but just needed a bit of support and encouragement in pursuing. Hopefully by the time our relationship comes to an end the young person I am working with will either have started a full time college course or be just about to start. (Amanda, Volunteer Mentor)

I think working with the project has been good because I enjoy meeting new people. Having a Mntor has helped me to think before I do things. (Mentee aged 13)

One to one work

Young people and parents

For approximately a year now the project has been working intensively with "John" who is 15 years old from the Easterhouse area. John was originally referred to the project because of his involvement mainly with gang-fighting and alcohol use. Currently "John" feels he has made some positive progress.

I have started to stay in my own house more regularly at the weekend. I'm working on gaining a better relationship with my Mum at home and with Mary, my Project Worker. I have a lot of problems at home regarding alcohol and drug abuse. This has affected me and my whole family. All we do is shout and argue with each other. Mary is now working with me which helps me deal with the situation in a different way.

The family is also currently working together on a home decoration project as they have secured some financial asistance from Barnardo's In House Grants with the help of the project. This has been done in an effort to not only make their home comfortable and safe, but also to encourage the family themselves to work together as a family in order for it to become a reality.