Young Peoples Activities
CBT Session Overview – Positive Future Planning and Identity Work
CBT Session Overview – Positive Future Planning and Identity Work
CBT Session Overview – Positive Future Planning and Identity Work
Today’s session was actually really positive for me. I got to design my own personal shield, which helped me think about what I’m good at, what matters to me, and what I want for my future. While I was doing it, I started talking about how I’d love to be a paramedic one day. I said, “I’d love to work with older people or children – I want to show them there’s a better way of life than I had.”
We talked about what I’d need to do to get there, and it helped me think about my goals and what’s important to me. I also spoke about how I’ve been feeling lately and how much has changed. I even said, “I’m proud of myself, especially after being in hospital this time last year.”
It felt good to say that out loud. I left the session feeling more hopeful, like I’m actually moving forward and things are possible for me.
Creative Branding Session – Youth Voice and Values
CBT Session Overview – Positive Future Planning and Identity Work
CBT Session Overview – Positive Future Planning and Identity Work
In today’s branding session, we got to take the lead in shaping what the service looks and feels like. We shared our ideas for logos and helped design something that really shows who we are and what this place stands for.
We also talked about what values matter most to us. A lot of us said empathy and respect are really important – we want staff to show kindness, be consistent, and actually listen to us. We spoke about mental health too, and how much it means to feel safe and understood.
It felt good to be properly involved and to know our voices are being taken seriously. Our ideas are now part of the service’s values, which makes it feel like we’re not just part of the service – we’re helping shape it.
Your CORNER - QUESTIONS ASKED, answered by our young people
Q: I often get angry – will this go against me?
A: RG (16): No. The staff listen and try to understand me. I brought this up in staff training and said there’s a reason for it. Staff do listen, and they’ll work with me as long as I make the effort to change. I know being angry isn’t always fair on them, but they don’t hold it against me
Q: I’ve had loads of placements – will people think I’m the problem?
A: LM (16): No one’s ever made me feel like that here. I’ve had ups and downs, but they keep giving me chances. I spoke about this in a meeting, and staff said they see me as someone who’s been let down, not as trouble.
Q: I don’t trust people – do I have to talk to staff straight away?
A: TY (15): No, they let me take my time. I said I need space and they respected that. One staff member said, “You don’t have to speak, just know we’re here.” That helped. I talk more now, because I didn’t feel pushed.
Q: I’ve messed up before – do you still believe I can do well?
A: CN (15): Yeah. Loads of us have messed up. It’s about what you do next. Staff don’t keep bringing up the past. I was rude and even walked out once, but they welcomed me back and said “Let’s try again.”
Q: I get anxious and don’t always go to school – am I going to get in trouble?
A: SA (14): No. They’ve helped me find ways to feel safe. I do more learning at home now, and I’m slowly building up. When I had a panic attack, staff stayed calm and didn’t make it worse. They get it’s not just ‘playing up’.