Paula's Story

We first met Paula when she was on a New Deal placement at Petty Pool Education Centre and she had to attend Y's Up for one session a week jobsearch. During this time, we helped Paula compile a CV, produce covering and speculative letters and use the internet for jobsearch. We carried out an action plan with her amd renewed it on a regular basis. When Paula had completed her placement she continued to visit Y's Up for friendship and support. Paula was very shy and lacking in confidence, so the more activities she got involved in, the better it would be for her.

We recommended leisure courses at Acorn Lifelong Learning Centre and Paula opted to attend a 10 week course in Holistic Therapy. She continued to visit Y's Up and kept us all up to date with her progress! She loved the course, and it improved her confidence, gave her new skills and helped her to meet new people.

Since then, we have encouraged Paula to join the Y's Up members committee. The committee holds monthly meetings and gives the young people a say in what goes on in Y's Up. Paula minuted the meetings and helped to set the agenda. During her time on the committee, Paula helped to raise money for Halton Haven Cancer Care, organising a fundraising event with the goal of raising £300 to provide bedroom furniture for a terminally ill patient, to make their surroundings more comfortable.

Paula took part in a street collection, (dressed in her school uniform!) and also targeted local businesses, helping to raise the amount needed.

Paula has also helped organise a daytrip to York, for the member's committee, a trip that was totally planned by the young members, which involved a trip to the Jorvik Viking Centre and a spooky tour of the grisly York Dungeons! She's also helped to arrange educational visits to various museums and further day trips for the residents to enjoy.

Paula has come on in leaps and bounds, and we are so proud of her progress. She is proof that with the right support and help, we can all achieve truly great things.