When he started with Rise, outbursts in the classroom were common, and his behavioural issues were affecting his relationships with peers and his family.
However, with support, Mac is developing a better understanding of his emotions, has found ways to bond with his peers (including fishing!), and is focused on improving his confidence at home and school as he moves into year 7.
Mac’s school identified that he was struggling after his mother’s incarceration at the beginning of the year and referred him to SHINE for Kids. Both parents had been in prison at different times throughout childhood, and he and his siblings had moved house several times, experiencing disruption at home and the trauma of separation from a parent many times over.
An anxious child, when Mac started with Rise, each week was a new challenge. Sometimes, he would fly through activities, but at other times, he had trouble concentrating and regulating his emotions.
His mentor adapted each session to meet him at the place he was on that day and ensured that together, they could work towards achieving his goals, regardless of the more challenging days.
Encouraging Mac, who is often reluctant to try new things, to be open to learning experiences and improve his confidence to give things a go has been a continual focus of his sessions.
When, with support and after much discussion with his mentor, Mac decided that he would attend the school camp, his school was thrilled.
He returned from the four days away brimming with happiness! As he excitedly shared his many stories of new activities, sports and friends, and lovely photos from camp with his mentor, she reflected that it had been a privilege to make this special time happen.
As Mac sometimes experiences a turbulent home life, his mentor also encourages him to try activities in the community where he finds comfort.
One hobby suggested was fishing, and it’s taken off!
Mac now loves to fish and spends many long weekends bonding with his peers as they fish together and swap stories. These close friendships he’s formed are helping him improve his confidence at school, leading to fewer behavioural issues in the classroom.
Mac has also gained some confidence in navigating his relationships with his family and better understands his emotions around these.
As Mac finishes with Rise and moves into high school, our team are happy knowing that he’s taking the tools he needs to help him regulate his emotions and improve his confidence, and a budding friendship group with him to help with the transition.
Good luck, Mac! We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way!
Thank you to The Benevolent Society for supporting this Rise program.
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