I’ve learned that speaking up will always help others
20-year-old Michaela, a resident at Dove Cott Foyer in Basildon recently took part in Dame Kelly Holmes Trust’s Get on Track programme with former Commonwealth Gold Medallist fencer and Trust Athlete Mentor Claire Bennett.
The programme was a positive experience for Michaela where she learned to ‘open up’ more and using the opportunity to connect with other young mothers going through the same experiences.
Funded by Sanctuary Supported Living’s Sustainable Communities programme, the Get on Track programme is designed to give young people the tools and support to take control of their future. Through weekly sessions, the young people, who are aged 16-24 and include young parents, set personal goals, reflected on daily challenges and developed practical skills in communication, teamwork and decision making.
A total of nine residents across the Dove Cott and Swan House foyers took part, combining weekly mentoring sessions and interactive activities. Claire has supported residents to build confidence, improve wellbeing and develop a more positive outlook on their future.
Michaela with Athlete Mentor, Claire
“I’ve learned that speaking up will always help others”
All of the participants at Dove Cott are in the same boat, navigating the fulfilling but often stressful of being a parent.
Michaela has a two-year-old son and having this programme with other Mums and Claire - who has children of her own has been so beneficial. “I’ve learnt on this programme to have perspective and to have more empathy and understanding of others. You don’t know what others are going through until you really get to know them,” explained Michaela.
With the help from Claire, Michaela took many learnings from the programme – whether that was building those all-important relationships with her peers or being able to be open about sharing her journey which turned out to help the others in the group.
“I suppose I wanted to be that ‘role model’ for the group and to show others that talking about their hidden battles is good. I learned that speaking up always helps others. It’s been nice to chat and be open, there’s no feeling of being judged, it’s felt like a safe space throughout the programme.”
Claire is one of Dame Kelly Holmes Trust’s most experienced Athlete Mentors and has been working with the centre in Basildon for several years. Speaking about the programme and the relationship with Michaela and the other young women on the programme, she said:
““The most impactful part of the programme was connecting with their peers and speaking honestly and openly about their shared experiences. By the end of the programme the residents have improved relationships within their own community and supported one another in achieving their wellbeing goals. There was a sense of togetherness and community felt in each session, which I think was the most important part of the programme.
I am so very proud of my Dove Cott girls, they have turned up to each session, and remained committed from start to finish. I can’t wait to follow their progress, and I am grateful to have spent such a positive time with them all.” ”
Social Action Project and connecting with friends the highlight of the programme!
An important element of the Get on Track programme is identifying, planning and executing a Social Action Project. The young people chose what they want to deliver, based on what they feel will positively impact their community.
Recognising the positive impact creating connection amongst themselves had had on them as a group, the young women at Dove Cott decided to organise a family and friends’ event. “I really wanted the girls in our building to connect more, so taking ownership of the event really brought us together!” explained Michaela.
The event had bouncy castles and activities for all ages and what was even more special was that it was one of the best attended events the services had seen. It also gave residents the chance to take pride in their home, spend time with neighbours and loved ones, and celebrate how far they had come.
Reflecting on the project, Claire said: “This kind of social action project is so important because it helps to create a culture of trust, where residents feel connected, included and it increases confidence for all so that they go on to achieve whatever it is they want to achieve next.”
For Michaela moving forward she wants to continue to make deeper connections with the other Mums at Dove Cott, she felt her commitment to the programme will also stand her in good stead for anything in the future. And as for her relationship with Claire, she said: “It was lovely working with her. Claire is non-judgemental, comforting and supportive, she’s a good listener and brought us all together as a united group.”