What some of the young people we serve say about the work:

‘The Reach Worker has made a really, really big difference.  I was getting bullied when I started the school and it probably would have been really terrible and would have got worse throughout my time here.  But Nicola has helped me through it and I'm a much happier person now.'

‘The Reach Worker has made a lot of difference because she's given me advice that puts everything in perspective and she's helped me through a lot.'

‘Without the Reach project I'd be very worried and self-conscious and I wouldn't have any confidence by now.'

'I’m glad she came to school, she has changed my life.'

'Since she's met the pastoral care worker she’s totally changed (for the better!).  I know my daughter is 100% happier…'  (Parent of Year 8 pupil with behaviour, bullying, self-esteem and family issues)

'When you go and talk to her she gives advice – what she thinks – but she’s not telling you what to do.  Before there wasn’t anyone who could give me good advice about things.  I trust her decisions, I take away her advice and think about it [she has given me valuable information].'  (Year 9 pupil)

'My daughter had some issues at home and school which she wasn’t able to discuss with me at the time…  I know I didn’t make enough time for her which made her unhappy and sometimes I think she lost her temper in frustration.  When I first spoke to her care worker I was at breaking point.  Home life wasn’t good at all, although I know now a lot of [my daughter’s] frustration was down to me not actually listening to what she had to say.  I realised what I should have been doing with her.  I had my priorities all wrong.  I felt at ease talking to the Reach worker and felt she genuinely cared.  We have a 'mum and daughter' relationship now.  She is happy both at school and at home.  She is pleasant to her siblings (most of the time!).  I know she is 100% happier and able to talk to me about most things, and if there’s something she feels she can’t discuss with me, she has the Reach worker to turn to.'