Positive Futures, the headline scheme of the Trent Bridge Community Trust, has been working tirelessly toward improving social inclusion in young people across Nottinghamshire.
Initially launching in Rushcliffe, a second project established in Hawtonville, and the scheme last week celebrated its first anniversary following a year of work in the area.
Over the past twelve months, Gemma Gosling has seen huge change in Aaron, her nine-year-old son.
“Aaron has ADHD, and is autistic,” she said.
“This time last year, he wouldn’t go out and socialise, he would sit in the house and either play on his Xbox or just shout at us, telling us that it was our fault that he had nothing to do.
“It was difficult, and there was a lot of pressure on us as a family to help him.
“Aaron’s school called us in as a family and told us that they had noticed a few issues around him not socialising in school either, and on hearing about our issues at home too introduced us to Mandy and offered us the opportunity to work with Positive Futures.”
After the initial dialogue with William Gladstone Church of England school, Positive Futures, under the guidance of Project Co-ordinator Mandy Wright, took Aaron under their wing as part of their growing cohort of young people.
By occupying a vacant space in providing after-school entertainment at times where existing service providers in Newark hadn’t completely covered.
Through a programme of activities and educational support, Positive Futures worked with Aaron to improve his confidence & social skills and support the rest of the Gosling family.
“It took Aaron a few weeks to get to grips with Positive Futures, but after that he started to settle in and build his confidence in what they were doing,” said Gemma.
“But once he got settled in and started seeing what they could do with him, he hasn’t looked back.
“His confidence has changed, his attitude has improved and he socialises more with other children around the area.
“Positive Futures have been a great support, they have benefited us as a family," - Gemma Gosling
“There are some great activities for him to do and he now enjoys going out and spending time with friends from school he has made over the last year.”
Positive Futures have worked tirelessly in Hawtonville not only to help young people become more sociable and channel their energies positively, but also to provide educational support and ensure that the families involved benefit as much as possible from their work.
“Positive Futures have been a great support, their work has benefited us as a family, not just with Aaron,” added Gemma.
“I couldn’t have asked for any more from Mandy, her team and all the volunteers.”
Aaron was awarded for his contributions to the scheme at the inaugural celebration event for a hugely successful first year in Hawtonville for Positive Futures.
Mandy Wright, the Hawtonville scheme’s Project Co-ordinator, moved to congratulate the efforts of the young people involved with Positive Futures.
“I can’t quite believe it’s been a year,” she said.
“I have seen so many changes in all of our young people, all have grown, some have matured but the one thing that they have all gained over that time is a confidence that will help them in their future lives.
“The project offers an initial 12 months support to young people but we encourage them to stay with us after that, I know that the majority of them will remain with us for the coming year and longer.
“They have made us laugh and at times cry but we are so very proud of what they have all achieved.”
To find out more about Positive Futures, visit the Trent Bridge Community Trust microsite here.
To donate to the trust, visit the TBCT Justgiving page.