Darcy, 11, was experiencing difficulties managing anger, friendships and challenges at home while her Mum struggled with poor mental health. This placed a significant strain on their relationship, and Darcy’s opportunities.
Throughout this time Darcy has been struggling with anger and friendship groups and her teachers were concerned.
“I was able to share the struggles I’ve been having at home with my youth workers, and they have listened to me and how I feel; they have put support in place for my family when things felt very hard. Things feel much better now.”
Darcy had previously been supported by Barca Leed’s Targeted Family Support Wellbeing Service before being signposted to other groups and services available at the Young Futures Hub at Bramley.
The Hub is designed to provide a coordinated, holistic approach to supporting young people aged 11–19 (and up to 25 for those with additional needs), particularly those facing challenges around wellbeing, education, employment and life chances.
By bringing services together under one model, the Hub aims to make it easier for young people to access the right support at the right time, build trusted relationships and forge clear pathways to a positive future.
During the Hubs Drop-in sessions Darcy has contributed to the design of the new facility, working alongside the interior design team. She’s also begun supporting Barca Leeds as a young leader which has given her the opportunity to meet other likeminded young people and grow in confidence.
“Working with Barca, has helped me learn to express myself in different ways, talking to someone who is able to help and be there has been so helpful for me, since attending Barca, I have been inspired to become a young leader with the young futures hub and would like to support others who are struggling.”
Through the joined-up provision offered at the Young Futures Hub, Darcy and her Mum have also been receiving support from the Family Hub, and her Mum was referred for mental health support.
The Young Futures Hub has supported Darcy’s Mum to register for Healthy Holidays so that Darcy has a Summer full of activities including horse riding, Arcades Club, Hunters Greaves Forest days, swimming and opportunities to take part in outings, including a trip to the seaside.
“Barca has provided me with positive experiences to go out and do fun stuff, instead of being in the house all the time this has been especially helpful when Mum has not been well enough to go out.
“The Young Futures Hub is a safe space, I have met new friends, tried new activities and have had workers to support me and my Mum when we have struggled. It’s really helped me to grow in confidence, and I’d love to become a young leader at Young Futures Hub now.”
Reflecting on Darcy’s journey, her Senior Youth Worker shares how she has grown in confidence, embraced new opportunities and developed into a positive role model for others.
”Since engaging with support, Darcy has grown significantly in confidence and developed many positive friendships. She has successfully transitioned into secondary school, is attending all of her lessons and maintains good school attendance. I have been particularly impressed by the way Darcy has embraced every opportunity offered to her. She has actively engaged in one-to-one support, attended new groups, taken part in trips and activities, and stepped into the role of a Young Leader. Darcy has shown real commitment to her personal development and should be extremely proud of the progress she has made.”
Sophie CherrySenior Youth Worker, Barca - Leeds
