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From Isolation to Independence: How 1:1 Support at The Wayz Helped a Young Person Overcome Social Anxiety and Achieve Academic Success

A young person was referred by Bracknell Forest Council, Education & Welfare to The Wayz for 1:1 support from a youth worker due to high social anxiety caused by the impact of COVID, which had led to them not attending school. The sessions aimed to improve their mental health and build self-confidence. Being home tutored, the young person participated in ‘Team Around the Child’ meetings with their parent, youth worker, school, tutors, and education professionals to ensure they received the necessary GCSE support.

Initially, the young person struggled to leave the family home or go out with anyone other than family or friends. Early sessions were held at home, focusing on trust-building through favourite activities like baking and cooking. The youth worker encouraged them to take short walks and help out at The Wayz Youth Centre, which they were initially reluctant to do but gradually completed. These tasks, including walking, baking, and visiting the town centre, helped build their confidence and manage their social anxieties.

As sessions progressed, the focus shifted to exam preparation, future planning, and daily routines. Conversations around decision-making helped the young person overcome challenges, improving their mental health and well-being. They reconnected with an old friend and successfully passed their Maths, English, and Finance GCSEs, allowing them to enrol in college. Becoming more active, they exercised daily, attended a job interview, and participated in youth club trips, showing remarkable growth in confidence, self-image, and independence—a significant transformation from when they struggled to leave the house and began their journey with our youth worker.