Our students have benefited immensely – it has enabled our more vulnerable students to express how they feel in an informal relaxed environment and given some the confidence to access further emotional support.
Paulet High School – Inclusion Manager
Reflective listening can offer a chance for young people to talk freely and feel heard as they tell their story at their own pace, without feeling judged or that they are a project to be ‘sorted out.’ It can increase their resilience levels, empowering young people to work through issues for themselves.
Poor mental health is a particular concern amongst young people, and how this can increase their vulnerability to unhealthy relationships, online bullying and low achievement levels. We want to reduce this risk by catching concerns early on, reducing the number of young people escalating into higher tier services.
Last year 100% of those attending the listening service said it was helpful, with 60% saying it had been really helpful.
At the end of one session when asking the question “and how do you feel now?” the young person said, “I feel like a person.”