We have been working with Paget High School for a number of years now, and it’s a partnership I really value. Over the past year in particular, we’ve continued to build on that relationship, supporting young people through small group work and 1:1 conversations.
A big part of what I love about the work we do in schools is creating space for young people to talk, ask questions, and be heard, and our small groups are no different.
Young people are invited into these groups for a range of reasons. This might be around attendance, behaviour, or friendships, but the reason itself isn’t the main focus or something we are trying to ‘fix’. Whilst we come with ideas and session plans, the direction of each group is often shaped by the conversations that young people bring. This allows for a more dynamic approach, where sessions respond to what is current and relevant in their lives. It means things feel more relaxed, with relationships leading and young people engaging at their own pace. Each group runs for a term, giving young people around 14–16 weeks of consistent time together.
“The group made my confidence grow and helped me come out of my shell.”
We started the year with a girls group, focusing on character and wellbeing. The feedback from the group really stuck with me. Words like “uplifting”, “heard”, “comforting” and “confident” were used to describe their experience. One young person shared that the group “made my confidence grow and helped me come out of my shell”, which pretty much sums up why we do this. Others spoke about being able to express their emotions, feel heard, and learn how to be more patient with others. Week by week, we explored topics that really matter to them – identity, friendships, confidence, and how they see themselves.
After that, we ran a boys group, looking at some of the challenges young men are facing at the moment. We spent time exploring big questions like what it means to be a man, how social media shapes that, and how to make good decisions in the middle of it all. These sessions were full of energy, honesty, and at times, real vulnerability.
We’ve now started a third group this year, working again with girls, building on what we’ve seen work well and continuing to create a space where they can talk openly and feel supported.
Something I continue to notice across all of our work is the crossover between school, church, and the wider community. Some of the young people from these groups came along to our Silent Disco back in December, and others are already connected through local churches and youth clubs. It’s a good reminder for me that we’re not just showing up in one place, but across different parts of their lives. That consistency really builds trust and helps young people know that support isn’t limited to one setting.
Across all of this, including the 1:1 conversations, I’m reminded how important it is for young people to have trusted adults who will listen without judgement. Often the biggest impact comes in the smallest moments, a young person choosing to stay in the room, sharing something they’ve never said out loud before, or simply knowing that someone is there for them.
It’s been a really encouraging year at Paget, and I’m so grateful for the partnership with the school that makes this work possible. I also feel really blessed to work alongside such great staff who genuinely have a heart to see young people given the opportunity to grow. I’m excited to keep building on this and continuing to walk alongside young people as they navigate life, relationships, and the pressures they face every day.
Matt Rimmer