Confidence boost on the Activity Agreement Matthew already had a handful of GCSEs when he met Ian, a Kirklees Keyworker. Although excellent at IT, which he had achieved a grade “A” in, Matthew lacked the confidence and communication skills which would allow him to put his qualifications to good use. He lacked the confidence to use public transport and was specifically nervous around new people and in group situations.
Matthew and Ian worked together to plan a selection of activities which would help Matthew develop his confidence. He took part in a variety of activities which included Preparing for Employment (CV writing, interview techniques and time keeping), Assertiveness in the Work Place and a Health and Safety course. The courses all required Matthew to work as part of a team. Over a 16 week period his confidence and communication skills steadily increased.
To address the issue of travel Ian originally arranged for Matthew to be picked up and taken to his activities. He then arranged for Matthew to travel on the bus with him or a family member and when he was comfortable in doing so, to finally travel on his own. This gradual process allowed Matthew to increase his confidence at his own pace.
His interest in IT continued with a Learn Direct course as part of his Activity Agreement and Matthew will be continuing his learning in IT at college from September.
His Keyworker Ian says “The Activity Agreement has enabled Matthew to overcome his fears of being in groups, and new situations. This is because of the way the programme caters for “individuals” and acknowledges young people have individual needs and circumstances and need individual activity programmes. This flexibility has allowed me to spend valuable time with Matthew, building up a rapport and a trust that has enabled him to become more comfortable and confident and has allowed me to set him activities that continue to challenge him but are suitable and appropriate for his needs. His fears around travelling on the bus, working in groups and entering new and unfamiliar situations have all vastly improved to the point where he feels ready to go back to college. This was unthinkable for him and his family when he first started on the programme but the skills and confidence he has built up have given him much more hope for the future. Matthew should be very proud of his achievements and the opportunities he has created for himself.”
Comments from the referring officer, Nathaniel McGowan:
I work as a Personal Adviser in the Learning Difficulties and Disabilities Team at Calderdale & Kirklees Careers. Matthew had left a college course in October 2008 having found the experience too stressful; He was getting panic attacks and his fragile confidence was knocked back severely. He reverted to spending a lot of time in his bedroom and his family were increasingly concerned about his mental health. I contacted the Activity Agreement and I explained to Ian, one of their workers, how I envisaged the Activity Agreement helping to assist Matthew in his re-engagement back in to mainstream activities. The work of Ian and his colleagues has enabled Matthew, particularly in terms of his confidence, to make good progress. Recently I've been with Matthew to meet with a tutor of the same course he started at college last year, but in another venue. Matthew now feels ready to take up a place on the course in September, something which six months ago seemed far from possible. Matthew has flourished thanks to his involvement with the Activity Agreement, and I'm sure he will continue to do so.
Comments from Matthew:
“Because of the Activity Agreement I have gained much more confidence in working and talking with a group of people. It was made easy as I was involved at my own pace and gradually became more comfortable. Because of the Activity Agreement I feel much more ready and able to go back to college and I am really looking forward to going back.”
Confidence boost on the Activity Agreement
