13-year-old Holly* is a participant on Everton in the Community’s 12-week 41 Goodison programme which works with young people to develop confidence and raise aspirations whilst providing pathways into education, training and employment. 

Holly was referred to the charity in August 2019 after difficulties in school and struggling to manage her emotions, particularly her anger. Holly has four other siblings and lives with her mum in a small flat above a shop.

The family struggle financially and the 41 Goodison team have provided a great deal of bespoke support for them and Holly during her time on the programme including assistance with essential clothing, footwear and a bus pass.

During her time on the programme, Holly has made some great progress; she completed the 12-week programme and it was clear that she had learnt a lot. Holly took part in a two-day residential, achieved a number of qualifications and was able to develop her confidence, as well as showing a marked improvement in her behaviour both in school and at home. Holly also made a number of new friends and clearly enjoyed her time at 41 Goodison as well as establishing strong relationships with staff and these relationships have continued since she left the programme and returned to school. 

As part of Everton in the Community’s Blue Family initiative, staff kept in regular contact with all participants and their families, providing them with regular welfare calls and emotional support and have been on hand to assist with any additional requirements as and when required. Holly and her mum have received regular calls and upon learning that they were struggling to buy food as the children would normally benefit from free school meals, 41 Goodison staff arranged for a weekly food delivery as well as purchasing a microwave for the family to support with food preparation.

The Blue Family initiative also provided some family board games to provide the children with some indoor activities as well as essential household items to improve their living environment including  cupboards and a wardrobe to store the children’s clothing, giving them more space to play.

With the support of Bulky Bobs, Everton in the Community has also been able to help end furniture poverty for the family and provided the family with couches, beds and a fridge freezer, all helping to create a nicer and more homely environment for them and alleviating some of the stresses on Holly and her mum, thus strengthening the family unit. 

“Thank you for the support you have given to me and my family. Holly loves it at Everton and I will never forget what you have done for my family in such difficult times.”

Holly’s Mum.

*The participants name has been changed to maintain confidentiality.