Testimonials
Get inspired by our succesful stories:
Mentoring Isaac:
Transforming a Troubled Past into a Promising Future
Isaac didn’t have a good start in life. His birth family are highly involved in gang activity, leading to Isaac himself becoming part of the gang when he was quite young. This was a major safeguarding issue and Isaac was moved to live with his grandfather. His grandfather did his best, but Isaac was already extremely rebellious and continued to get into a lot of trouble. C became his mentor when Isaac was 14, and sought to be a positive role model to him. C built a good relationship with him and his grandfather, educating him about the reality of gangs. They also worked on controlling his anger and on keeping him in education.
This wasn’t an easy challenge, far from it, but it was worth it at the end. Isaac has now completed all the goals he set for himself, which they worked on together, and now stays out of trouble and off the police radar.
Isaac is now blossoming into an ambitious and positive teenager, and he has a bright future ahead of him. if he uses everything he has learnt and experienced on his journey so far, I believe he will continue on a good path to a happy life. His GYM mentor (C) stays in touch with him.
Earning Leo's Trust:
Finding a Path Away from the Streets
Building a relationship with Leo took a little while, as he had no close relationships, was suspicious of everyone and had no motivation to change. However working with him slowly to build trust, while at the same time taking him out to positive activities, including boxing and to the gym, was successful in growing the relationship with his mentor.
Over time Leo began to see that there is more to life than he had experienced so far and he became motivated to achieve a better future, including starting back at school.
The work that has been done with Leo has helped a lot, he is now doing well, back at school and keeping out of trouble. Our family now has a great relationship. Keep up the great work you do!, whatever you are doing and the techniques you are using with the young ones is working.
Just want to say a big thank you from me for all your support "
Breaking Free:
Loriah’s Journey Away from Gang Life
Loriah‘s father is a well-known local gang leader. When first referred, she was known to spend time with the gang, was known to the police, had previously been arrested and was considered to be vulnerable. Her boyfriend (also a gang member) was violent to her, as was her father, but when she attempted to bring charges she was severely intimidated by the gang and quickly withdrew charges. Her boyfriend was later arrested for murder and she was initially arrested for assisting him, although these charges were later dropped.
Loriah engaged well with her mentor, having the goal of changing her life and getting a good career. She is now on a path towards doing just that.
The mentor met with Loriah regularly in school, guiding and being a positive influence on her to progress her forward. He worked with her on her self-confidence, relationships, friendships and future aspirations.
From personal knowledge of this young lady I know that he was very much respected by her. She thrived as a result of his input and in doing so the Case was stepped down from Child Protection, to Child in Need and resulting in full closure during lockdown.
He is an influential mentor, who can relate to the young people he supports and guide them in positive ways to make changes.”
I have been doing so much better this past year, its mad how so much can change in a year with the right people around you and support you.
This experience has been amazing - I’m ready to go on to the next part in my life and seeing how far I have came"
U built trust with her which enabled her to open up to u. Hopefully the input u put in her she will use in future.”
Out of Control:
Ryan’s Path to Redemption
Ryan was referred by his school who described his behaviour as totally out of control. He was only 10 when first referred to GYM, but staff were intimidated and scared of him and his mother and stepfather were having similar problems.
He was finally excluded and taken into respite to give his family a break, but when he returned his behaviour continued to be very bad.
It took some time and perseverance to break down barriers and build bridges with Ryan. The key was listening to him and showing understanding of the way he was feeling behind all the bad behaviour.
Taking him out, either to take part in boxing or different sports or simply to sit and chat in McDonald’s, helped his mentor to reach the boy behind the anger and gradually things began to change. Now 14, he is not recognisable as as the lad who was once expelled from school for being “out of control”
From there the support you have given him and the rest of the family has been phenomenal. From Ryan’s struggles with school, being expelled, home learning, new schools, mental health, sibling rivalry, domestic abuse, diagnosis of ADHD, COVID-19, and the more recent wrong friends issues, plus many more issues. You have been there for Ryan and the family through everything, constantly adapting to the needs that Ryan throws our way. Ryan really enjoys going out with you especially if there’s food involved!
For me and my wife we can’t thank you enough for all the effort and support you give us all, but especially Ryan you have been a strength that has been much needed in his life. You always go the bit extra to help! "
Against the Odds:
Faith’s Courageous Step Away from Gangs
Faith comes from a well known local gang family, her father and older siblings being heavily involved in gang violence and selling drugs. The gang were using her as an ‘Op Girl’ under the guise of supporting and protecting her. Faith was frightened to go into town because of the gang connections. Her attitude was generally defiant and her behaviour at school was poor but she actually approached GYM herself and asked for help to get away from gang related activity and find safety. She engaged extremely well with her mentor and GYM, and we were able to help her achieve her goals.
You listened and gave good advice like a brother, but you also corrected me like a father. Your support made a big difference. I am on a better path now."
Can you relate to any of these stories?
If you yourself or someone you know is on a path of losing all control of their own life through gang involvement or knife crime, like any of these cases above, and if you want out, do not hesitate to call us. We are the people to call and we genuinely believe:
You are never in too deep to make a change!
