“The team have helped me through my journey at Futureworks NY and I couldn’t be more grateful. They have encouraged me to try new things and come out of my comfort zone. I have become a more confident person because of Futureworks”.
~ Grace's story
Grace's Story video - This is a powerful video that showcases FutureWorks
~ Lucas's story
~ Hannah's story
~ Lily's story
Case Study
When A started at Futureworks he had been out of mainstream education since Year 6. He left school because in his words “he was fed up of all of the bullies”. A has a speech impediment which was targeted by bullies and sadly affected his confidence to the point where he became very isolated and anxious.
On his first day he was extremely anxious about attending Futureworks. He had given up on all hope of gaining qualifications and being in the same environment as people his own age again. A managed to get through the door and the upward spiral began. He soon realised that the other learners have had similar experiences and related to them whilst staff created a welcoming atmosphere that changed his opinion on education.
After a short while of attending A took another leap of faith and began to attend our weekly workshop sessions. During this time, he learned joinery skills and supported in the upcycling of furniture. Along with three other people his age, he still attends this session every week. Even if you can’t see them, you can always here the laughter and banter coming out of the workshop which is lovely to hear. A also loves going on the group dog walks with other learners, this gives him a chance to really interact with other people his age in a fun and relaxed way.
A attended Christmas dinner with other learners from across all the different groups at Futureworks. He was anxious about this because it was with a lot of people his age that he does not know but he flourished once sat down and settled, he spent the afternoon socialising with new people. He messaged after the event to say, “he really enjoyed meeting new people and having lots of conversations”.
A's caring nature came to the surface when a member of staff wasn’t feeling very well, he went home, Googled the symptoms and text advice on what they should do to feel better. He has become known amongst staff and learners for putting others first.
A continues to show both progress in the classroom, where he has passed his Entry 3 Maths Functional Skills as well as socially as he also now attends the gym with others. A has even signed up to a three-day residential where he will have access to lots of different challenges such as canoeing, rock climbing and caving. This will give him further confidence but more importantly create lifelong memories with young people his age.
“I was bullied at school, getting called names all the time and I had enough so decided to become homeschooled. Futureworks has given me the confidence to get back to been myself, talking to people and gaining my qualifications. I look forward to coming to Futureworks.”
Case Study
When B arrived at Futureworks fourteen months ago he was completely deflated with the education system and was ready to give up on gaining any qualifications and at this time, additional support was desperately needed. B has a diagnosis of Autism and like many other young people mainstream education school was unable to provide support. Subsequently B withdrew from school and applied for a place at Futureworks.
B began to settle in and almost immediately started attending The Workshop. One of the first noticeable things was that would blurt out questionable comments or create inappropriate conversations which had previously got him into trouble at school. Staff within the workshop at Futureworks reminded B of appropriate conversations and comments. B has openly admitted that this his attempt “to fit in” and something which he says he struggles with.
The temperament and support from staff allowed B to realise he did not have to try and fit in. The Workshop was somewhere he could truly be himself. B soon began to build friendships up, something which in his words “I’ve never really had before”. With the other young people who attend his session he has done a variety of things away from Futureworks with including camping, cinema trips and regular trips to the gym, something which he credits the Workshop for.
B has also developed many other skills in The Workshop. He throws himself into painting, sanding, joinery work and many other skills that will last him a lifetime.
The bus which brings B to Futureworks takes over an hour from his house. His attendance is flawless because it is something which he gets up in the morning for and loves doing.
B is a prime example of the Workshop giving young people more than just skills with tools. The social skills he has developed within the Workshop have made a difference with his attitude towards his classroom studies. B is now focussed on his studies and has gained our top Maths qualification and looks set to do the same within the coming months with English. B now feels he is ready to go to college in September and has a music audition next week. B previously said, “he would not go back to mainstream education”.
The workshop has given B lifelong friendships, new skills in both tools and social settings and supported him with a clear vision for the future.
Case Study
When C arrived at Futureworks just under a year ago, he was a fourteen-year-old who had faced significant battles throughout his life. He had left two local schools due to issues of no support from mainstream, missing a large chunk of his secondary education, a difficult homelife and a battle with addiction.
Having missed so much education and a lack of trust with the entire education system, C was very sceptical of starting with us. At Futureworks, he quickly left any doubt behind, soon realising that Futureworks is nothing like mainstream school. He began to reengage with his Maths and English, building friendships with peers and forming trust with staff.
“I wish school was like this, here I get the support I need and nobody judges me”.
C began to show remarkable progress in his Maths and English. Upon starting, he was predicted to achieve an Entry 3 qualification in English and has already achieved a Level 2 in this subject, a whole two levels higher than initially predicted. This opens doors for C to go on to gain the apprenticeship he desires. He is also working hard to get the same qualification in Maths, which he is on course to achieve.
Futureworks has become so much more than just qualifications for Tom. He attends a workshop session once a week, which teaches him key skills with tools and equipment. He wants to go and work in a trade; this has taught him the key skills he will need and laid the foundation for him to be successful in the future. C also attends the gym with us and a small group once a week. He has found this a great way to redirect his focus from past addiction. He will often message us seeking workout and dietary advice.
With us, C has found a safe place to come for emotional support and advice. He will often call in to speak to his Keyworker about any issues he has going on in his life, even if he’s not due in at that time. Futureworks staff have given C a safe space to discuss his feelings around addiction, his family, the future and anything else he needs support with. It was only last week that he said to me- “Without Futureworks I’d probably be dead now”. C feels that Futureworks has given him the emotional support needed when fighting his personal battle, a second chance at education and a pathway to his future.
C has changed so much for the better during his time with us. He is currently applying for different apprenticeships, with support from staff and completing his level 2 qualification in Maths. We are very confident that C is now focussed on the future. We are very proud of what he has achieved and continues to do so. Like many that use Futureworks, he just needed patience, a safe place to talk and guiding on the right path when other people and places had given up on him.
