Leona Hopkins, 16, from Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, started coming along to Youth of Fenlands, when she heard from her sister’s friend that it was fun.
Attending the weekly Wednesday night’s session is now the highlight of her week and she admits she wouldn’t be doing anything else outside of school if she didn’t have youth club to go to.
Self Confidence
Through the activities and support of the youth workers at the club. Leona’s self-confidence has improved and she’s now supporting younger children who are often shy and nervous to join in when they first attend.
“The youth club has given me so many opportunities such as attending a summer residential in London, doing stuff like water sports, climbing and raft building – it’s really good. They’ve helped me overcome fears like talking to others. Now I’m a role model to other kids. As a youth mentor, I help new people settle in. I introduce them to games and stuff like that.”
Leona, 16
Raising awareness
Leona thinks there should be far more awareness of youth groups: “Youth work should be promoted more in schools. I definitely would have come sooner if I’d known about it when I was younger.”
Unfortunately, school had been tough for Leona: “Before, I just didn’t ‘get’ school – it didn’t suit me, but since coming here, I see the world differently. I know that I can always turn to one of the youth workers if I have a problem, whether that’s at school or at home, and they have time to support me.”
It’s clear Leona benefits from the support and sense of belonging that the youth club environment offers: “Youth club is an important part of my life – it’s a break from reality even though you’re surrounded by chaos!”
Mental health support
Leona suffers from anxiety, compounded by not always feeling safe in her community: “There are places you avoid around here – mainly due to drug users, some streets are not safe at night – I especially wouldn’t feel safe as a woman on my own.”
Drawing on this experience, she is resolute on the importance of youth clubs providing a safe haven: “Not everyone is safe on their own street, so it’s crucial for young people to have a safe space in their local community.”
Leona recognises that there’s a lack of support for young people struggling with their mental and emotional wellbeing: “I know a lot of people my age suffer with their mental health – mainly anxiety and depression. A lot of my friends struggle and don’t reach out for help.”
“My advice to anyone suffering would be definitely turn to a youth club. You can get support from youth workers with your emotional wellbeing, but also just getting to express yourself with people your own age is really powerful and can help a lot.”
