We deliver a range of services to support children, young people and families at an early stage. ‘Time for You’ is our dedicated service offering support, advice and guidance for children and young people in schools.
Charlotte has worked for ‘Time for You’ for five and a half years. She visits schools each week to support young people who have challenges in their life. She explains more about the important work that this service carries out in schools throughout Norfolk and Suffolk.
“I support young people with a broad range of challenges; from difficulties with socialising and integration, to coping with family breakdowns. We also support young people who may have a chaotic home life for various reasons, including those who have caring responsibilities those who have a parent or sibling who abuse drugs or alcohol, or who is struggling with their mental health.”
Time for You workers all have diverse backgrounds and draw on their skills and experiences during their visits to schools.
“We place no expectations on the young person; we give them the time and space that they may not have previously had.”
“We’re a listening ear for them. We can’t change what is going on outside or at home but during our ‘Time for You’ sessions we work on building their resources and resilience. We look at coping strategies and, using the Nurtured Heart Approach®, we also focus on what they are doing well.”
Despite learning of the difficulties that many young people face, for Charlotte there are also many highlights to her role.
“Young people are incredibly resourceful, resilient and creative in the way that they can work towards transforming their situation. They are less set in their ways and are more open to trying new things. It’s actually a privilege to be part of this.”
Charlotte continues: “When I see a young person making progress, it’s heartening. It’s the reason I do the job. It’s a cliche but young people are our future and it is wonderful to know that you have helped them.They come to you looking for support, but actually it’s about empowering them. They take that challenge and run with it.”
“It’s hard being a young person these days and for them to have the support of our Time for You service is amazing.”
Meet Up is much more than just a building it is central to the local community and is used by all ages. It is a building with a heart which extends to all our local residents.
Ali Brown, Meet Up Youth Worker
