For the purpose of this case study, and to ensure confidentiality, the young person detailed in the following case study will be referred to as ‘Peter’.
Peter, a young person based in the Tuebrook area of Liverpool was first engaged with during a detached session. The Positive Futures team of youth workers met him on the streets, where he had little hobbies or interests, explaining that he wasn’t really a fan of football.
To try and engage him with the various activities that Positive Futures Liverpool offer, the team spent some time getting to know him before telling him more about the weekly boxing sessions that they facilitate. At the next session, Peter, who suffered with confidence and self-esteem issues did come along to observe the session taking place. The team explained what the sessions involved and encouraged him to bring a change of clothes for the next session, in case he wanted to join in.
Peter did come along to the next session, but remained apprehensive about joining in due to his low confidence. He explained that he had never really felt comfortable taking part in physical activities or joining a gym out of fear that he would be unable to take part, wouldn’t be good enough or would be bullied. However the Positive Futures youth workers worked hard to reassure Peter that they would help tailor sessions to ensure that he felt comfortable.
Over the coming months Peter went on to become a regular at the boxing sessions, always giving 100% effort. The team watched as his confidence and self-esteem levels grew, along with his technical ability. Peter even started identifying areas that he would like to develop his expertise in, and the team worked with him to help him to achieve this.
Peter is a true example of a young person who, due to personal barriers shy away from participating in activities that are out of their comfort zone. However the Positive Futures vision is to support all young people to achieve their potential, regardless of circumstance, and this is just what the team have supported Peter in doing.
To find out more about the range of activities and sessions that Positive Futures Liverpool runs, visit their website http://positivefutures.org.uk/.
