Co-ordinating a volunteer befriending programme for patients and carers of the hospice. Project funded by Big Lottery.

Trainee Counsellor on placement. Working with adult clients in a low cost counselling service. 1 evening a week.

Our aim at UP @ The School of Confidence is to support young people who are at risk, to transition into successful, independent adulthood, and to stabilise and enhance their well-being. The programme is devoted to young people, ages 16-24, who are not in education, employment or training, or at risk of this. We assist them – through workshops, one-to-one key work and mentors – to develop self-confidence and the skills required to meet their potential as mature adults. We accept referrals from colleges, youth offending teams, the probation service, job centres and other charities who work with these clients.The young people are paired with volunteers called Confidence Building Friends (CBFs) who they meet with regularly as a source of support and to introduce them to opportunities and positive experiences. My role is to introduce the CBFs to the young people and to support them in their relationship.

Trainee Counsellor working with adult clients. 1 evening a week.

I work for the School of Confidence. The School of Confidence was founded by long-term supporter of Kids Company John Frieda. It was launched so that Kids Company could provide over 16s with a series of positive experiences, relationships and vocational opportunities in order to build their confidence and prepare them for the next stage of their development. The students referred to the School are vulnerable, lack confidence and their family relationships may be challenged in some way. John and the Kids Company team work with young people on a daily basis to give them the necessary additional support to guide their talents and help them realise their full potential.Students are paired with volunteers called Confidence Building Friends (CBFs) who they meet with regularly as a source of support and to introduce them to opportunities and positive experiences. Students have frequent one-to-one sessions with The School of Confidence team of professionals, attend inspirational talks and take part in a core curriculum of practical workshops that focus on building confidence, understanding body language, positive thinking and more.