“Mason is a kind, warm and gentle character who tries his very best at everything and has overcome huge mental barriers to be the person he is today. We are very proud.”
The words of staff members at Empower, the Trust’s free six-month project that aims to improve young people’s mental health using physical activity. They are talking about Mason, a young boy who understandably was unsure when first attending the programme. Now, Mason enters each session with a wave of confidence that shines through the other young people and staff, engaging in all aspects of the project, including physical activity and conversations with qualified psychotherapists. The positivity from the staff is mutual as Mason calls them ‘very, very, good’ as they facilitate a safe space for children to manage their emotions, identify coping strategies and gain a support network. Mason clearly has a highlight though:
“It has to be playing with all of the coaches: Caoimhe, Emily, and Charlotte. I like being active and I’m really active here.”
And has Mason felt a difference?
“A really big difference, even my head mistress said that, and she said well done to me!”