Providing a Bridge to Cross

“I’m so grateful for the love and support they’ve given me”

Early intervention and School Transition work helps a young person in need

 

We interviewed the mother of a young person called Grace * who was receiving support through our new School Transition project.  Read about her honest account of how the project has changed her daughter’s life.

Why were you worried about your child?

When Grace was in her final year at primary school, we noticed that she was experiencing severe anxiety, probably due to the fact that there were a lot of difficult things going on in her life at the time, as well as the arrival of puberty.  We were really concerned and not sure where to turn for help.

How did you get involved with Matrix?

Grace started seeing the Home School Link Worker at school who had heard about the School Transition project and connected me to Matrix, so Grace was put forward to see a Coach.

How has the Transition Coach helped Grace?

At first I saw the help Grace received from the Coach as a bridge, forming a connection between the support she received at primary school and her new secondary school where she would be a small fish in a big pond.  It was such a great support for her over the initial period of change, but it’s become much more than that.

Grace meets her coach every week who makes her feel safe.  It’s provided real continuity of care across the schools which has made such a difference – she knows she has someone to go to in the week. It’s a type of safety net and someone to journey with to get her through the week.  She does activities too, which Grace loves as she’s so creative and loves crafty things.

This project has connected her with a special person, who has the right skills, making her feel relaxed as the relationship grows.

How is Grace coping now?

Grace still needs support, and that may take some time, but it’s a relief to know that the help she’s getting from her Coach is for a whole year. I’m a bit nervous about it ending as it’s been brilliant! Hopefully  Grace will have settled into secondary school by then and have learnt some coping strategies.  The Coach is helping her use and develop those skills and give her the love and support that she needs. It’s been so positive.  Grace has been really enjoying secondary school, even though she’s struggling, which I was worried she wouldn’t.

“I’m so very grateful to Matrix for helping Grace and giving her hope”.

 

If you would like to volunteer as a School Transition Coach email: [email protected]

*Name changed to protect privacy