Harrison is just one of many children benefitting from Right to Succeed’s Bags of Character initiative. It’s part of the Reach programme being delivered across Doncaster, Blackpool and Belfast.
Before Harrison joined Bags of Character he struggled to engage with school, and only attended two days of every week. When he did go, he was withdrawn and reluctant to take part, hiding behind his coat with his hood always up. Harrison hated the classroom, refusing to join his classmates and instead preferring the isolation of the library where he would hide beneath a bean bag for much of the day.
Through the intuitive approach, support workers began to focus on gaining Harrison’s trust. Over time it worked and after six months he was attending school full time. Thanks to the strategies and activities used Harrison started making friends, becoming more and more involved with his peers.
A year on and Harrison is a different child. He is more confident, in the classroom every day, and putting tons of effort into his maths and reading, helped by one to one support from staff. Every afternoon Harrison goes to a group that has been set up to teach essential life skills like cooking, baking and gardening. He is taking part in and enjoying Bags of Character activities.
But perhaps most telling of all is that Harrison is wearing his coat less and less, and is no longer hiding behind his hood.
If you would like more information on the Reach Programme or the Bags of Character intervention contact one of the team at Right to Succeed.
