The difference a year can make! 11-year-old David* had a tough start in life, with both parents in custody and little contact with them. He had difficulty regulating his emotions and trusting adults.
But having a Rise mentor turn up for him every week, rain, hail or shine, showed him that there are people he can ask for help when he needs it, and he’s come so far.
When his school referred him to Rise, David was really struggling in the classroom and the schoolyard.
He found it hard to concentrate and would act as the ‘class clown’. He couldn’t maintain friendships because he quickly became upset when other children acted in a way he didn’t like or ‘broke promises’.
His behaviour sometimes escalated to physical violence, and he was suspended from school several times.
In his sessions, he and his mentor focussed on helping him find ways to build and maintain healthy friendships, and they looked at the things that triggered him so that he could better understand his reactions.
“I have spent many hours with David talking through past decisions and why he’s reacted the way he has. We also worked on building his self-esteem and helping him know he is valued,” said his mentor.
The hard work during sessions paid off. A turning point this year was when David’s continued improved behaviour meant he could attend school camp!
Although he was a little apprehensive at first, the camp was a major success.
His teacher said he was fantastic during the camp and conducted himself well the entire time.
“His teacher had nothing but praise!” said his mentor, “He tried new activities and happily got involved in sports and socially with his peers.”
David was so proud of himself and his teacher’s comments that he’s now really looking forward to the next school camp.
It’s been great for him to experience such a positive outcome to his hard work and see the good that can come when he puts his newfound emotional regulation skills into action.
David lives with an extended family member who, despite their own struggles, has taken on a sole carer role and is doing their absolute best.
David greatly admires this relative, and it’s a positive relationship in his life. His relative expressed that it’s been a challenge for them to take on a parenting role, but the support that SHINE for Kids offers has been very welcome.
SHINE for Kids has provided birthday presents, school uniforms, backpacks, lunch boxes, water bottles and other essentials – all items that can be very expensive.
David also LOVES fruit and has ‘super healthy taste buds’! To encourage this, his mentor always brings seasonal fresh fruit to their sessions, and they have fun trying new fruits together and discovering new flavours!
David is doing so well, and while he’s now graduated from the Rise program, he’ll still stay in touch with his mentor. We can’t wait to watch him continue to grow and thrive.
David loves to try new fruits!
Thank you to The Benevolent Society for supporting this Rise program.Â
*Names changed to protect participant privacy.Â
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