NEET

Case Study: Young Person with aggressive and behavioural problems and a history of self harming.

Connexions PA: Shahina Begum

Background

Young Person aged 14 was referred to me via a learning mentor based at their local School. The young person had been an existing service user and took part in after school activities such as the girls group. The learning mentor explained to me some of the difficulties the young person was having at school and at home. I carried out an initial assessment to look at her concerns and needs and in which areas I could provide her with the appropriate support.

Young person expressed that she had moments of rage where she would lash out at teachers by swearing at them, throwing chairs in the classroom and being abusive verbally and physically towards her peers and younger siblings.

She felt that she could not explain her actions as they were uncontrollable and that it would happen instantly without a moments thought of what harm she could be imposing on herself and others. She agreed with me that perhaps she had confidence and self esteem issues which hindered the way she dealt with certain negative circumstances. She explained to me that her self harming was a way of relieving herself of her problems but when that ceased to work she resorted to using aggressive behaviour to seek in some way a form of cry for help.

Action

The young person expressed a desire to talk through her problems and find ways of dealing with them positively. She explained that she wanted to build positive relationships and learn new ways of handling herself appropriately without hurting herself and others.

She agreed to rejoin the girl’s group session every Wednesday evening so she could have some time to herself, where she could have fun and make new friends. We also agreed to have a 1:1 session with me once a week where an hour is spent for her to talk through and discuss her mental and emotional wellbeing.

Future

It was clear that the young person needed someone to talk to and she articulated that it would be helpful to talk to someone who could put themselves in her shoes understanding the sort of issues she was facing such as being able to understand her background and culture. I encouraged her to take part in the various sessions and activities at Shantona for example outings, Arts & Crafts, Girls Group, Summer Play scheme etc.. This helped her to build some confidence and equip her with the ability to look at life more positively.

We will continue to provide this young person with ongoing support, advice and guidance while monitoring her progress.

The Young Person has stated that without our intervention, support and guidance she would not have been able to overcome the barriers which had other wise prevented her from obtaining a good education, healthy relationships with her family/friends and most importantly to learn about her strengths and personality.