Whilst June signalled the start of British summertime; it also represented the start of Sanctuary Supported Living’s unique partnership with Dame Kelly Holmes Trust. Throughout the summer, the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust have been delivering responsive and tailored personal development programmes to develop the confidence, well-being, and self-esteem of young people in supported living services in Brighton, Basildon, Hartlepool, and Weston-Super-Mare.

As part of the project, the Dame Kelly Holmes trust team have been on tour to see first-hand the impact of the programme and to understand how working with our athlete mentors have helped to improve well-being and build these young people’s aspirations for their future.

In August, Trusts and Grants Manager, Chloe Neilson-Hopkins, joined athlete mentor Hannah Beharry in Brighton on a Dragon’s Den panel for a presentation on social action. Three young people explained their plans for a new social media page to provide an online community for young people and promote a range of activities and opportunities to socialise in Sanctuary Supported Living’s foyer – their safe space.

The project was created by young people who have lived experience of anxiety and mental health conditions. Athlete mentor Hannah explained: “The lockdowns of 2020 may be over, but many young people still feel isolated. They don’t leave their rooms; they are uncertain of their futures and lack direction.”

The Dragon’s Den aspect of the programme provides an opportunity for young people to develop their presentation skills, become more resilient and gain confidence presenting to adults they have not met before. Initially, the young people were anxious, but the more they practised, the more confident they became.

The blended support model – a mix of 1-2-1 sessions and group sessions – has seen these young people stand shoulder to shoulder with athlete mentors, uncover new ways of well-being, overcome their fears, improve their confidence, and boost their self-esteem. Young people are now starting to participate in various activities, from cooking to art, meditation, and sport.

The programme brings people together and improves everyone’s mood

Whilst June signalled the start of British summertime; it also represented the start of Sanctuary Supported Living’s unique partnership with Dame Kelly Holmes Trust. Throughout the summer, the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust have been delivering responsive and tailored personal development programmes to develop the confidence, well-being, and self-esteem of young people in supported living services in Brighton, Basildon, Hartlepool, and Weston-Super-Mare.

As part of the project, the Dame Kelly Holmes trust team have been on tour to see first-hand the impact of the programme and to understand how working with our athlete mentors have helped to improve well-being and build these young people’s aspirations for their future.

In August, Trusts and Grants Manager, Chloe Neilson-Hopkins, joined athlete mentor Hannah Beharry in Brighton on a Dragon’s Den panel for a presentation on social action. Three young people explained their plans for a new social media page to provide an online community for young people and promote a range of activities and opportunities to socialise in Sanctuary Supported Living’s foyer – their safe space.

The project was created by young people who have lived experience of anxiety and mental health conditions. Athlete mentor Hannah explained: “The lockdowns of 2020 may be over, but many young people still feel isolated. They don’t leave their rooms; they are uncertain of their futures and lack direction.”

The Dragon’s Den aspect of the programme provides an opportunity for young people to develop their presentation skills, become more resilient and gain confidence presenting to adults they have not met before. Initially, the young people were anxious, but the more they practised, the more confident they became.

The blended support model – a mix of 1-2-1 sessions and group sessions – has seen these young people stand shoulder to shoulder with athlete mentors, uncover new ways of well-being, overcome their fears, improve their confidence, and boost their self-esteem. Young people are now starting to participate in various activities, from cooking to art, meditation, and sport.