Group Work & Mentoring

Group Work

 

YMCA Trinity Group has over twelve years of experience and expertise in designing and implementing robust, evidence-based group work programmes. We have designed separate schemes of work for KS1-4, and a Transitions module for Year 6 and Year 7, which have been built based on feedback from schools and partners, as being the most valuable areas for attention. Each group work module is 6 weeks in duration – with one session per week, lasting for approximately one hour. A trained clinical professional will facilitate each session depending on numbers and needs. Evidence-based outcome assessments are used to monitor the impact made.

 

‘The children have loved taking part [in the group work] and many parents have thanked me as they can see a real difference in their children.’ – Headteacher, Primary school

 

Areas of Focus

 

During our group work sessions we focus on four main areas:

 

  • Emotional Management is a skill, and breakdowns in communication and wellbeing can lead to impaired development of this area.
  • Social Skills is a small term for an enormous concept. Each young person will have strengths and challenges in this area. Alienation in some or all areas of their social life will impact on all things from performance in classes to level of exercise.
  • Self Esteem & Confidence is a crucial ingredient in child & adolescent development. Without this, a series of psychological defence mechanisms can produce pervasive problems, lasting into adulthood.
  • Transitions is a programme that focuses on the seismic shift from Primary to Secondary school. We realise some young people find this a challenge, and require help to cope with this change. It provides techniques for forming new friendships as well as coping mechanisms, which will improve resilience for future use in all contexts.

Additional Options for Secondary Schools

We also have a tailored programme for KS3-5 students that can be used for PSHE sessions covering the following areas: Introduction to Mental Health, Food and Mood, Coping with Stress, Body Confidence and Self Esteem, Self-Help. This can be used as a wider programme for all students, or targeted to those with low level needs.  In addition, we can ofer one off-workshops or assemblies.  Click here for more information and scroll to the Other Audiences section.

 

Structure of Group Work

 

Each Group Work module involves:

 

  • Pre intervention assessment with the school and/or young people (1 credit)
  • Min. 6 weeks of 50min-1hr sessions for up to 8 young people*
  • Post intervention review session (1 credit) to discuss progress and next steps
  • Total cost of 1.5 credits per session per worker (two required for most groups)
  • A structured syllabus of topics covered, tailored to the age and needs of the group
  • Impact monitoring and tools for schools to help assess suitability prior to intervention
  • Option to use additional credits for either more group work sessions, 1-2-1 Mentoring or Therapy where a young person needs additional support or time to reach outcomes.

Total: Min. 11 credits (one worker); 20 Credits (two workers)

 

*Please note: group work is focussed on early intervention. It is not suitable for those with high needs or a history of mental health issues. In this instance, therapy should be considered. One worker will only be suitable for groups of 4 or less that have mild to moderate needs. The assessment will establish need.

 

Mentoring

 

In some cases, a young person may not require intensive therapeutic intervention, but continue to present signs and symptoms of personal issues that cause you concern. These might be issues that you feel, if left unresolved, could exacerbate over time. The young person may not be suitable for group work, or you feel that the group work modules on offer would not address the very specific issues you have noticed. Alternatively, it can also be used as a way of topping up group work sessions for those that need a little extra support.

The Process works as follows:

Structure of Mentoring

 

  • Minimum of 8 sessions of 50min-1hr on a 1-2-1 basis (assessment is built into the initial sessions)
  • Post intervention review session to discuss progress and next steps
  • One worker per young person
  • A semi-structured programme designed specifically around the needs of the young person
  • Impact monitoring using the Outcomes-based Assessment & Planning tool
  • 1 Credit per session

Total: Min 9 Credits per referral

 

Contact Us

For more information or to discuss your needs, call us on 01733 373 187 or email [email protected].