Success Story – Alex
Name and some identifying details have been changed
I never felt judged or rushed, but she encouraged me to challenge my own comfort zones, to accept and overcome my anxieties and achieve more than I ever thought possible or that I was capable of.
Alex’s feedback on support received through the programme and from his Building Bridges Support Worker.
Alex* was at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) and heard about Building Bridges through a local school. The school suggested that the programme may be able to offer support for Alex and his mother completed an online referral.
When Alex joined the programme in 2023, he was socially isolated and was being home-schooled. Alex said he was unsure about his future and wanted an opportunity to meet people and make friends. Alex also struggled with anxiety which made it difficult for him to attend school or leave the house.
Working alongside a Building Bridges Support Worker, Alex was able to progress to meeting in public places, became more confident and created a CV. He also received support with job searching and interview role-play.
After 4 months on the Building Bridges Programme, Alex had a college interview and began attending college. Alex also searched for a part-time job, by applying for jobs online and completing a speculative application by handing in his CV and covering letter in person to a local business. After completing a trial shift, Alex has since been successful in securing a part-time job.
*Not his real name
“We have been astonished by the changes we have seen in Alex since he started working with Building Bridges. Originally, he would rarely leave the house and even when he did, he would often not get out of the car. Now, he will go to shops to buy his own food, go out with his friends into town and go to college on his own. He is much more talkative now and just generally seems happier.”
Feedback from Alex’s family