“Mentoring has given me confidence” – Loreal’s Story

Over the past year, Loreal has been part of our SAFE Achievement Coaching project at Manchester Academy, which encourages young people to open up about their experiences and realise their potential through both individual and group sessions.

When Loreal first started on the programme, she was shy, quiet and smiley. Throughout the year, Loreal was able to recognise the importance of her education and behaviour. During sessions, she began contributed to discussions on friendships and personal ambitions.

Loreal feels as though dance sessions, run by Youth Worker Suraiya, have improved her confidence, and attending an art session has enabled her to mingle with peers she doesn’t socialise with in school.

Over the Summer, she’s even began attending a dance camp with Powerhouse in Salford, as well as representing our dance community through a photoshoot with the company.

Being a part of the Achievement Coaching programme, Loreal has learnt that her voice and ideas are valued and continues to bring awareness to Autism, standing up for friends whenever possible.

Loreal also enjoys music and is currently learning how to play the guitar. To help her to learn more about her future prospects, Suraiya took her on a tour around Reform Radio, a local radio station. Loreal was truly inspired and could envision herself enrolling in the future.

I’ve had a great time learning what I can do to improve myself!