All the young people had had issues at some time with adults in a position of perceived authority, teacher, carers or social workers. They expected to be told how to and how not to behave, to be told what to do and what to not do.

At forest school, two of the young people have ADHD, which created issues daily with their schooling and had at times led to them being excluded from school because of their behaviour.

On one occasion at Forest School Youth Club we had had quite a challenging morning that had started with negative comments from one young person to another. The atmosphere in the group was tense, and most of the young became increasingly disrespectful to each other and the staff.

E was referred into us due to very low in mood, she didn’t socialise with anyone since the passing of her neighbour the year before. E is a transgender woman and has found it difficult in society since becoming a woman. 

M was referred to us as she was suffering from anxiety brought on by isolation.

SM got in touch as she wanted help to find work. We referred her to our employability course. She felt motivated to find employment, but had very serious issues with interview confidence.

CM was referred to us by his mum as she was worried that his mental health was declining. CM has autism and anxiety, his moods dip up and down.

J has tried to quit smoking previously but has he had an alcohol addiction and never seemed to be able to stop. For him cigarettes and beer seemed to go together and he found it really difficult.  He then went into rehab for help with his drinking and his life started to get back on track.

RV has been suffering with a mental health problem since 2005. His psychiatrist encouraged him to try volunteering in the Food Collective social supermarket at the Angel as he thought it may be helpful for him to get out into the community again.

AR had been in the same job for 17 years and was made redundant. She was referred by the Job Centre, to the Job Club at The Angel Centre. She was 57 and very despondent about gaining employment.