Routed Strength Charitable Trust

Project code: 899

Amount applied for

£1,000

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Project Summary

We support young people struggling with mental health through exercise and nutrition. Our main 8-week programme, consists of weekly gym sessions, mental health support, community project and trips.

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Project Description

The main programme, called GAINZ, for 11 - 15-year olds was created with close links and communication with young people, parents and those working with young people.  We listened as young people explained how isolated they felt with their mental health, how they didn't understand how or why they were feeling that way, etc.  We also heard as they spoke about things that they like to do to be active.  What we learnt was that, as we would’ve guessed; they all like something different.  So, we developed a gym programme with vast variety allowing young people to try what they enjoy and challenge them to take part in what is not their ‘favourite’. 

We are applying to the Participate Budget for help contributing to the trips for two group programmes.  We planned an indoor and outdoor activity based on young people’s feedback.  And the feedback from both activities is always excellent, giving young people a chance to step out their comfort zone and put in place the coping strategies we explore during the programme.

One trip is to TreeTop Trails which will cost us £498 per group for high ropes and crate climbing.  The second trip will be to Above Adventure which will cost £150 per group.  Therefore, total cost for 2 groups for 2 trips comes to £1,296.

These trips are crucially important to the programme as these types of trips can be a very anxious experience for those we support. This then gives them a safe and supported environment to practice the skills they learn through the mental health workshops.

 

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How have young people been involved in shaping this project?

The groups were supported by an outside psychotherapist how fed back more insightfully with young people’s opinions of the programme. Her feedback: 1 - He reported he can now generate more helpful thoughts including: “I am not alone; I am normal, other people feel the same as me” and recognised this has helped manage situations better including talking to new people. 2. “helpful for building confidence in self and overcoming anxiety with social situations. Found exposure in social settings most helpful, learning "people aren't as scary as they seem". One of the young people said, when they were asked about how they felt about the project, said “I have found myself again, which I didn’t think was possible 5 months ago”. We find each group shapes their programme. They choose their own community project and they shape the gym sessions as we see them develop. Therefore we base every group on what has went before and then adapt as we listen to the next one.

Location: We have moved from our previous location as they could not host us anymore. We are now in the Fullarton area of Irvine, but will work with young people from across North Ayrshire.