Before I started going to the Positive Active Minds groups, I found it hard to join in with activities and be around other people. Because of my SEND, I sometimes get worried or overwhelmed, especially in busy places or when I don’t know what is going to happen. I didn’t have many friends and I often stayed on my own because I wasn’t sure how to start talking to other children. This made my confidence very low and sometimes I felt upset or frustrated.
When I started going to the Positive Active Minds groups, like Arts and Crafts, Cheerleading, and the SEND Youth Club, I was nervous at first, but the staff made me feel safe and welcome. They explained things clearly and helped me understand what we were going to do, which made me feel calmer. I like that the groups are friendly and not too pressured, so I can join in at my own pace.
Arts and Crafts helps me relax because I enjoy making things and being creative. Cheerleading makes me feel proud because I can be active and try my best, even if I need a bit of extra help. The SEND Youth Club is one of my favourite groups because everyone is understanding, and I don’t feel different there. I can be myself and nobody makes me feel left out.
The staff are very kind, patient, and supportive. They help me when I feel worried and they make sure I understand what to do. If I need a break, they let me have time to calm down, and that makes me feel safe. Because of this, I am not as scared to try new things as I used to be.
Since coming to the groups, I feel more confident and I talk to other children more. I have started to make friends, and I don’t feel as alone as I did before. My mood is better, and I don’t worry as much about going to new places. My family say I seem happier and more relaxed at home, and I like having something fun to go to each week.
Going to the Positive Active Minds groups has helped me feel safe, included, and more confident, and it makes me feel like I belong.