The summer holidays provide a nice break from mentoring in schools and an opportunity to see young people I mentor in their local community, where they feel comfortable. It’s been good to see the young people for longer and do different activities together, that we wouldn’t have the time and space to do in school and may not have done before. Some of the activities I have done with my young people in York include, photography skills workshop, taking photos for NYY photo calendar competition, Foss Fairy trail, National Railway Museum, walk and talks, café visits, boxercise and football in the park, painting, and other craft activities. I’ve enjoyed seeing the young people express their creative abilities, try new activities and connect with nature, as well as getting my steps in! We have had some valuable conversations about the importance of fresh air for well-being and have practised on mindful walks.
The school holidays can be difficult for being out of routine, so these check ins are important, whether they be face-to-face or via text. Some of the young people have found the weekly planner sheets helpful to plan their week and have self-care activities too. Relating to mindfulness, we have had conversations about visualising our future self, who and what we want to be and do in the future. I have tasked some young people to ‘write a letter to their future self’ at home to open at the end of the next school year, outlining what they wish to work towards for the year ahead and then seal the envelope to open on a selected date. This activity helps make goals a reality. It’s an activity for anyone to try, there is always a good time! Click here to get started.
Olivia Pearcey, Change Direction Youth Mentor