Coaching & Mentoring at Abraham Moss

Year One Cohort

Yaibelyn: ‘Put yourself first in situations’

At the beginning of the programme, Yai was struggling to engage with school, she felt she didn’t have anyone she could trust. Yai had been involved in multiple fights as well as ongoing issues with teachers. She believed that the only way to resolve her issues was through violence. Throughout her time on the programme, she showed true determination, strength & confidence. Through exploration of her identity, community & safety in 1-1 sessions, Yai came to understand the importance of self-exploration as well as having someone to trust by her side. Yai has been described as the mother of the group, always taking care of others, but she said that this programme has taught her the importance of self-care, that she is number 1. On her final reflection, Yai put ‘Violence should sometimes not be the answer’ she said that she still feels that she has to protect herself but would never use violence against someone.

Khadeejah: ‘I have learnt to talk about my feelings’

When Frankie first met Khadeejah, she was unsure about joining the programme, she didn’t feel it was very cool. But with some time & convincing Khadeejah never missed a session. At the beginning Khadeejah struggled to talk about her feelings, she would brush them off like they meant nothing. Frankie worked with her through areas of low self-esteem, self-confidence & self-identity, allowing Khadeejah to get to know who she is, ‘I’m nice, I’m caring & I’m kind’. Khadeejah is a very talented singer, they would often end our sessions with songs as it gave Khadeejah the opportunity to express herself, she also loved showing her new favourites. On her final reflection, Khadeejah put ‘Singing really helped me’ Khadeejah said because English isn’t her first language, that sometimes she struggles to communicate but through singing she could really say how she felt.

Sophie: ‘I’ve learnt the ability to communicate’

When Sophie joined the programme, she was struggling with the new changes within school. Sophie was very quiet during sessions, she loved to play with the fidget box, play dough being her favourite. A couple of weeks into the Autumn term Sophie was put onto a step-out programme where she was based in Sale for 2 weeks. When Frankie went to visit her with tubs of play dough, she was given feedback from the teachers saying how lovely & kind Sophie was. Sophie has struggled with English for many years, she is on the list for a dyslexia screening. Because of this struggle she would always call herself stupid, or say she was not good at things, saying ‘I would rather be naughty than look stupid’ But through exploring different ways of thinking, different ways of learning & understanding other people’s differences, Sophie began to accept herself. On her final reflection, Sophie put ‘It’s okay to have differences’

Aimee: ‘I’ve learnt to love myself’

Aimee joined the programme with only a couple of months until the end, Aimee had been chosen for the programme a few weeks before but she had been struggling with her attendance. Aimee struggles with her anxiety & is also on the waiting list for an Autism & ADHD test. Aimee said she had lots of counsellors & support workers in the past that didn’t help. Instead of talking, Aimee did lots of art, mainly drawing & painting. She said it was easier to talk about things when her hands were busy, she said she struggled to understand her feelings so couldn’t talk about them. Over time she learned to explore her feelings, and build a better understanding of what they were. On her final reflection, Aimee put ‘I’ve learnt to cope with my feelings & how to speak up for myself’

Talal: ‘The world is bigger than Crumpsall!’

Despite a promising sporting ability as well as an emerging interest in the world of business and commerce, Talal joined the programme often struggling to even begin talking about some of his self-doubts regarding mental/physical health, aspirations and how others might perceive him. Showing inspiring personal courage and commitment to change, Talal began to engage with increasing confidence during mentoring sessions involving games, written exercises, creative workshops and related activities all focused on mental health, practical goal-setting, communication skills-building, hate crime and ‘toxic’ versus ‘positive’ masculinity. He was soon leading what could sometimes be difficult conversations on these themes with others. Through the programme’s support, Talal was also able to access a local gym membership, as well as some much-needed replacement sports clothing and equipment which allowed him to continue his participation in the school’s football team with further honed talent and much renewed pride in himself. All this work means Talal is now more confident than ever to express his hopes about where his expectations and broader ambitions might take him.

Millie: ‘Going on walks helps me’

When Frankie met Millie she was really struggling with her behaviour in school, with her recent diagnosis of ADHD she was awaiting her medication. Millie was doing well for the next couple of months until an incident occurred, after which her parents removed her from school & are now moving her to an SEN school to help support her needs. It knocked her confidence & she had been struggling with feelings of loneliness. Millie has now joined a dance class, that she attends each week, she enjoys seeing & meeting new people. She loves to be in nature, her favourite spots include Castlefield Viaduct, Heaton Park & Ancoats. Millie is studying to complete an AQA in PARTICIPATING IN ACTIVITIES, to give her something to work towards & regain her confidence.