Bradley was referred into Turnaround due to a recent arrest and coming to notice for handling illegal substances.
When I contacted his mum, we arranged a home visit to introduce myself to them both. I was able to explain in more detail, to Bradley and his mum, about the project, its aims and the distinction between youth work and statutory services. Bradley was engaged and positive towards accepting the support through Turnaround. Both Bradley and his mum signed a consent form.
In some of our earlier sessions, we spent time building a relationship. We often played pool at a Youth Centre whilst having conversations about Bradley’s hobbies, family and friends, anxieties and strengths. This aided filling out a small assessment that is carried out at the beginning of the project which helps the young person shape what they want to achieve from the 1:1 support. Once we had completed the assessment it became clear Bradley wanted to focus on his education as he was in his final year at school. Bradley had also mentioned that he wanted to focus on music and pursue a career in this industry.
I was able to take this information and find out some local offers for Bradley that engaged him in music-based activities. I sign-posted Bradley to AudioActive and we completed a referral form together. After an interview with a worker at AudioActive, Bradley was successful in his application and was awarded a session a week for 18 weeks.
This sparked something in Bradley that encouraged him to start to make his own music and he began to speak about attending a college that was focused on the music industry. Bradley said he wanted to apply to a specific college that was hard to get into. We looked at Open Days together and I offered to attend if his mum could not. As Bradley was the eldest of three it was difficult for his mum to get the childcare. Bradley and I attended the open day and Bradley wanted to apply instantly. I facilitated the space for Bradley to do this, where I was able to prompt him where necessary, but he filled out the application himself. He was awarded an interview.
Bradley and I also spoke about creating a revision schedule to help keep on top of revision as the volume of exams coming up was causing some anxiety. Bradley created this and has used this structure to help stay away from the hotspots in Brighton and to focus on his schoolwork.
Bradley often comes along to the detached youth-based sessions with the youth bus and shows other workers and young people his music. It is clear how proud he is of the music he is making, which is applauded by all!
Bradley no longer frequents the places he used to. Bradley has acknowledged and taken responsibility for his actions and is able to understand the implications of more involvement with the Criminal Justice System and what it may do to his future. All of Bradley’s achievements have come from him and it has been amazing to see talent unlock in a young person.
Bradley has been an absolute pleasure to work with and is a perfect example of a Turnaround case!
