Once a bright and polite student, S began to disengage from learning and became angry, withdrawn, and hostile. His social circle raised serious concerns, and his lifestyle began to put the safety of his remaining family at risk. Eventually, the care system intervened.S
By the age of 17, S was only sporadically attending education, often unable to get out of bed. But during his first meeting with an ELSA mentor, it was clear that, underneath the pain and chaos, he still held ambition and potential. He desperately wanted to turn his life around but had been pulled down a dangerous path. S had a natural flair for reading and creative writing, and a powerful desire to make a difference, he said he wanted to help others through performance. During an ELSA ‘Discover Believe Become’ day, ELSA employees discovered S had an incredible ability to freestyle write and managed to write an entire song in the 30 minutes session.
S joined ELSA at another event, speaking to a group of students about his journey. S overcame his extreme anxiety and lack of confidence to share words of inspiration to a room of 50 students, all deemed at risk.
ELSA kept in touch with S to find an opportunity for him to perform and share his music. A local pub, hosting poetry and music nights invited S to perform his original music. S arrived to the pub incredibly anxious and nervous about his performance. S performed three songs, blowing away the entire audience. The hosts of the night said:
‘S was IMMENSE. It was so evident watching him perform that he is an incredibly talented individual. Man his words were just so powerful, you could really feel the amount of pent up emotion he has infused into his writing. He was deliberate and controlled. It honestly was one of the most special performances that we’ve ever had at one of these events.’
S continues to work on his art, through writing classes and music clubs. We believe he has a bright future ahead of him!
O
O is 15 years old and lives in residential care in Hertfordshire. He was referred to ELSA by The Hertfordshire Virtual School because he was exhibiting a number of behavioural issues and could not be left alone at school – he required a Mentor or other adult with him at all times. When we first met him, O was lacking in social skills and his behaviour was generally very poor. It was clear he had a lack of self-belief and self-worth. He was very easily distracted and his language was, at times, inappropriate. When we asked O what he wanted to be, he said a ‘lawnmowerer or vacuumerer’.
We felt finding a work experience placement for O would help focus and motivate him, so we contacted a local Golf Club where a member of their grounds maintenance team agreed to become his ELSA Mentor. On his first visit O was shy, sad, unsure, worried and lacking in social skills. But with our support, guidance and coaching we saw a real transformation in O within just two weeks. He arrived for work on time, smartly dressed in his uniform, and was happy and keen to get started. He told us he now felt ‘part of the team’.
Over time, O’s home and school life improved dramatically and his teachers reported a real shift in his behaviour. He didn’t want to lose the Golf Club placement and, knowing he was being constantly monitored, began to engage fully with lessons and really ‘buckle down’. His ELSA Mentor had made him aware of the need to display positive behaviour at all times and to remember his ‘image’. O ensured he heeded this advice. He excelled at his work experience placement and when his Mentor went on holiday, O was given the opportunity to work in the customer-facing area of the Club’s restaurant. His attitude and confidence when talking to customers and other staff was superb, and a young man with real potential was starting to be seen.
After finishing his placement at the Golf Club, and following ongoing support from the ELSA team, O was able to take up a retail position at Boots. Soon after, he received a prize at a prestigious awards ceremony, and in September 2019 he embarked on a Land Management course at college.
A
A is a 17-year-old student who lives in care and wishes to explore her future career. One of ELSA’s professional partners, the Hertfordshire Virtual School, provided A with a nurturing work experience environment.
She met other young people like her, each with unique dreams and challenges. They formed a tight-knit community, supporting and inspiring one another.
Meeting Jane from ELSA Next Generation, A, though reserved, shared her passion for hairdressing and future goals.
Recognising A’s commitment, Jane arranged for her to meet a seasoned hairdresser from AcademyTeam. Impressed by A’s potential, the hairdresser encouraged her to explore and showcase her creativity.
Recently, A excelled in a hairdressing and barbering workshop during an ELSA Get Work Ready event. Her performance, which involved hairstyling on a mannequin, was remarkable.
Building on this, A is embarking on work experience with ELSA and is keen to establish deeper connections with AcademyTeam.
A has an exciting future ahead of her!
