Teenager Attributes Life-Saving Impact to Charity’s Therapy

A teenager, now a volunteer at a charity, has stated that the support she received from the organization as a beneficiary “may have saved her life.” STEP Swindon operates therapeutic groups designed for children and teenagers facing mental health challenges, learning disabilities, autism, or other life difficulties. These groups also incorporate activities such as arts, drama, and sports. For more than ten years, a portion of the funding for these initiatives has been provided by BBC Children in Need. Jaime, currently attending college, expressed that the program “made such a difference to my life, I want to give something back.” She initially joined the groups approximately six years ago, at the age of 10 or 11, recalling, “I was in a bit of a mess. I struggled with anger throughout my childhood.” She added, “STEP basically changed my life. May have saved my life on a few occasions.” Jaime characterized the environment as relaxed, fostering an atmosphere where individuals can open up, and also providing avenues for creativity. She further stated, “I was someone who was nearly given up on from my perspective. I never want anyone to feel like that again. “Anyone who’s struggling, I want them to know there is an open door and someone there for them.” Maisie, a 12-year-old with autism, reported that she began attending sessions when experiencing difficulties at school, explaining, “It felt like I could connect with people more like me. It felt like I could be more myself around everyone.” Her mother, Karina, noted that prior to STEP, her daughter’s behavior had been worsening, stating, “You couldn’t console her. The atmosphere in the house was awful, treading on eggshells the entire time.” Karina expressed satisfaction with the prompt referral and observed that Maisie, who was initially “scared of literally everything,” grew “so much more confident.” Her mother remarked, “She’s calmer. She’s happier. School life is a bit easier. The atmosphere in the house has changed.” Paul Dobson, the director of STEP Swindon, clarified that they encounter a wide array of reasons for children seeking their services. He stated, “The way we differ is the groups we put together are bespoke. We get the referrals coming in and we put the groups together based on the need. “We want them to respond to the support we’re giving them. We need to engage them, make sure it’s fun.” Mr. Dobson informed the BBC that while many care models might adhere to one or two methods of assistance, STEP Swindon approaches it differently, saying, “I like to think we use a ‘whatever it takes’ model.” Mr. Dobson mentioned that Children in Need “believe in what we’re doing and they trust us to deliver that.” For updates, follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.