Charlotte’s story
To help mark national Mental Health Awareness Week (13 – 19 May 2024) we’re shining the light on some of our young people who have completed our Grow programmes.
Before Grow, Charlotte didn’t enjoy going out and felt she had no one to go out with. She started her Grow journey after she was referred by Sheffield Futures and since taking part in our Walk & Talk programme, Charlotte now feels like she has something in her life to look forward to and enjoys meeting different people.
As part of Charlotte’s experience with Grow, she’s taken part in Walk & Talk which sees her get out and about on beautiful walks with a trained mentor. We’ve spoken to Charlotte to find out how much of a difference Grow has made to her…
“The Walk & Talk sessions have definitely helped me cope with things in my life because I’ve now got advice on what to do in certain situations.
“I’ve recently got my first full time job and although it’s been hard to be the new person, it’s been good to get advice in how to be the best person I can be. I feel like I’ve improved my personal relationships and I feel like I’ve become a better person.”
Charlotte talks about her mentor Jayne and how Grow has gone above and beyond her expectations:
“It’s been fantastic to meet someone who has similar interests to me and to get people’s opinions on things is nice.
“I’ve found it really beneficial to have someone else to talk about things with that aren’t my friends, family or partner as I feel like they can give you different feedback and add a different perspective.”
Charlotte looks ahead to the future and said:
“I’m going to try and attend Grow’s social catch up sessions which will enable me to meet other young people. I feel like these sessions will really help my social anxiety as I don’t find it easy to talk to other people around my age.
“I’m also going to look at other job opportunities or opportunities in general that are out there. I now feel more confident to go out there and take an opportunity when it comes up.
“I’d recommend Grow to any young person if you’re feeling anxious about anything. You’re not going to lose anything – all you’re going to do is gain things!”
Grow Mentor Jayne praises Charlotte’s progress since starting their walks and said:
“Charlotte is definitely more confident, more self-assured and overall more in control of her life.”
“For me personally, it’s been a fantastic opportunity to be Charlotte’s mentor. It’s been great for me to spend time with a young person, and it’s given me a real boost to see her progress and development over our walks.
“I would definitely recommend becoming a Grow mentor. It’s been flexible and we’ve managed to fit in our walks when we’re both available. The team at Grow are really supportive and it’s great to meet young people like Charlotte.
“It’s been a joy!”
Walk & Talk is a walking mentoring/coaching programme designed to support young people in taking their first step towards exploring employment, training and other positive activity. For 8 weeks, mentors and mentees take walks in local parks and talk about topics young people want to explore.
Has Charlotte’s story inspired you?
Or maybe you could be a Grow mentor? Find out more about our Walk & Talk programme and how it can help you or someone you know.