17-year-old Caitlin Harris from Scunthorpe has just completed her Level 1 in Health and Social care and is now looking forward to progressing into Level 2, but not so long ago, things were very different. When Caitlin was first referred to us she had had a very negative experience with education and she was very resistant about studying again. Her mum was extremely worried as she was becoming increasingly anxious and refusing to leave the house. Our Tutors had many conversations with her mum and took gentle steps so that she felt comfortable, and we slowly accompanied her through all the stages, from application to induction and into an online classroom so that she could learn from home.
Caitlin: “I had a lot of support and reassurance throughout.”
“I’ve always had a bad experience with education and never really enjoyed learning. Whether that was because of my anxiety or simply not getting along with the teacher. Joining YMCA has changed that, I love my tutor and I look forward to every session with her. While applying, I had a lot of support and reassurance throughout.”
Elaina, Caitlin’s Mum: “YMCA is a crucial lifeline for people like Caitlin who have struggled to gain the qualifications to get a career.”
“Words can't explain how much you have helped my daughter to progress in her future. Without you showing commitment towards her I dread to think where she would be today.
Thanks to you all she has begun to gain confidence in her own ability and can see what she's capable of achieving. YMCA is a crucial lifeline for people like Caitlin who have struggled to gain the qualifications to get a career.
It felt like all the doors were closed and we were in a dark place and you came along and opened a door to let the light back in and show the opportunities. I can't ever thank you enough for giving my daughter her smile back.”
Donna Booth, Caitlin’s Tutor: “Our learners are at the centre of everything we do.”
“Caitlin began her journey saying very little and doubting her abilities to complete assignments. She had a wobble at the beginning but with a greater level of pastoral support from the whole team, smaller classroom sizes, and one-to-one sessions, Caitlin has flourished.
Our learners are at the centre of everything we do and we are proud to work with learners with additional needs and significant barriers.
Caitlin has completed her Award in Health and Social Care in excellent time and to a great standard. She has begun to share ideas, which are always relevant and meaningful. Caitlin is always a pleasure to teach, and it would be great to see her move from her comfort zone and into a classroom setting where she can really stretch herself and perhaps meet new people and make friends.”
