Achieving growth through vulnerability – John’s journey

Nine-year-old John lived with his mother (with whom he shared a bedroom), older brother, grandparents, uncle, and two lodgers. His father was serving a long sentence in prison.

John exhibited a range of problematic behaviours and academic difficulties, frequently engaging in physical aggression and spending most of his days in detention or the headteacher’s office. He never asked for help when needed, and never completed homework. He often fell asleep in the classroom and his attendance rates were very low.Through daily contact, his LinkWorker Anta built a trusted relationship and provided a safe space where he felt supported. Anta arranged for a weekly session with an occupational therapist where they worked on anger management and emotional regulation. Anta also engaged with John’s mother, frequently updating her with positive feedback on his targets and progress. She too started engaging more with the school.

In one of their meetings, and after John had been involved in another fight at school, his mum agreed for John to start art therapy. This work helped produce a breakthrough. John’s attitude towards school was improved and he worked for two terms with an academic delivery officer to build his confidence and motivation. After his mother shared that she struggled to support John with homework, John was encouraged to join an after-school homework club, run by Anta. Here he developed a routine and experienced a sense of accomplishment. Moreover, he built strong relationships with the other children in the club.

John started enjoying school more and his attendance improved significantly. Anta encouraged him to participate in school activities such as the Christmas play and the football team and, over time, these opportunities led to significant improvements in John’s behaviour, emotional regulation, and academic performance. John spent less time in detention and more days on a positive behaviour record. He achieved good scores in his SATs, something that he thought was impossible before he began the programme. After their last session, John’s art therapist said: “It has been an amazing journey… to be a witness to John’s growth and vulnerability in the therapy room. I will remember our sessions close to my heart.”