When a community comes together to support a young person who needs guidance, lives change for the better.
14-year-old Simon* was struggling to stay engaged with his schooling and his relationship with his mum was deteriorating; she felt she was losing her boy.
Recognising that Simon needed help, his school contacted MacKillop Family Services’ Reconnect program, an early intervention program which supports young people and families at risk of family breakdown.
When he first met Reconnect’s Claudia Mayes, Simon was wary, but respectful.
We built up a lovely rapport. I was objective and could listen to Simon’s side of the story. We soon established that Simon had been bullied at school, which caused him to react, meaning he was the one who would get into trouble and be sent home. He didn’t know how to deal with what was happening to him.
During one of their chats, Claudia discovered that Simon loved horses. Thanks to philanthropic support and funding from Victorian Government’s Family Reconciliation Mediation Program, Simon started equine therapy with a psychologist which helped him to develop insight, empathy and learn to regulate difficult emotions.
Caludia also discovered that Simon lacked positive male role models, so she reached out to MacKillop’s Volunteer program connected Simon to Scott.
A volunteer with MacKillop for more than a year, Scott was delighted to meet Simon. “He is such a lovely lad, very funny and loves banter. We catch up regularly and we’ll go for something to eat, just play footy or walk and talk.
“Seeing him open up, ask questions and become sure of himself has been an amazing experience. When we first met, Simon was polite but reserved. Now to see him with shoulders back and confidently talking about his feelings, I can’t believe the difference and the self-belief he has developed,” Scott said.
Simon’s mum has her boy back and she is thrilled to see how happy and confident he is.
“I was so fearful that we were losing our bond, but it’s better than ever. Claudia and Reconnect came into our lives at just the right time, and I will always be grateful for her support and for introducing us to Scott, who is an amazing role model for Simon.
“Simon’s in a new class, has good friends and is happy to go to school now – it’s made such a difference to our lives. Reconnect arranged for Simon to be assessed, and he received a diagnosis of ASD Level 2, which means he will continue to get support. The Reconnect program and the people involved through MacKillop have had a lifechanging effect on us which came at just the right time. We’re looking forward to the future now,” she said.
*name changed to protect privacy