Question 1

CASE STUDY 1 'AB'

Accepted Answer

AB moved to Berwick at the age of 12.
"Switching schools was hard, especially being kept back by a year I found out about BYP through school. I was being bullied at school and not sure where to turn.

I met new friends at the project and still keep in touch with them (two decades later), the youth project helped with my confidence.

It has made a massive change to my life, now I am more confident on approaching different aspects of life. I got involved in volunteering through the project and have carried it on in my adult life and now I am a qualified Guide Leader."

Question 2

CASE STUDY 2 'CD'

Accepted Answer

CD was adopted as a baby and didn't have a very happy childhood when others close to him began to taunt him about being adopted, and eventually became the subject of physical assault.

CD was first upset and then became ashamed of being adopted and even ashamed of going to school.

"One day things got really bad and I told a friend that I wanted to kill myself and that I had tried. The friend informed staff at BYP, a member of staff there gave me support and worked with social workers, police and mental health workers to make sure that me and my family were safe. BYP staff are still there for me. I can't thank them enough. I am getting better now and have made friends I know for a fact it is the direct result of the member of BYP'S staff. I just want to say thank you."

Question 3

CASE STUDY 3 'EF'

Accepted Answer

EF walked into BYP, having recently moved from central Scotland and lost his job, he was unsure of the area and looking for information, he didn't know anyone in the area was really struggling and had no money.

"I was met with by a very welcoming team, who first off asked if I wanted a cup of tea, and I said AYE, wan milk n sugar, but my humour was a lot to be desired and my Scottish was very strong (being Scottish). I was helped with getting sorted with benefits and job searching in the local area, I was a regular at the project some would say a pain but the tea was ok. I met a lot of people who did become friends, I did get a job and played for a local darts team, which I thought integrated me into the local community."

EF went on working with BYP and took part in a French work experience visit which had a profound and lasting impact on EF. "Since having my experience (France) I have had two gorgeous children who are as outgoing as I am, and I would happily recommend work in a different country. During and after being on the project in France, I have worked with people from all over the world, my experience on a whole has taught me so much about life and has helped me to look at the world in a different light."

Question 4

CASE STUDY 4 'GI'

Accepted Answer

"I had so much going on in my life and in my head I felt like it was never going to end and that I had no one to talk to. Then someone recommended BYP, I went along to my first appointment and felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I visited the Youth Project often and I always felt better knowing that there was someone I can talk to.

Even though I've moved away from the Berwick area I know that I am still able to contact them whenever I need to. I can't imagine where I'd be now if it wasn't for the Berwick Youth Project."

Question 5

CASE STUDY 5 'GH'

Accepted Answer

GH was fourteen when she first set foot in BYP. "Unfortunately, my issues which I first entered the youth project with were not caring and fun, during my first meeting I broke down and admitted I had been self-harming due to having a history of sexual abuse, but the member of staff never gave up on me. They helped me not only to tell my mum, but also through the police investigation and provided me counselling. They also saw me every week and supported me with any issues not only this during the police investigation but with school, bullying just to name a few.

They were amazing at distracting me especially with Youth Achievement Awards run through BYP, they definitely kept me busy. The key member of staff has been with me through the good times and the bad over the last six or seven years every step of the way.

I am currently studying at University and have (fingers crossed) my future planned out, without Berwick Youth Project I wouldn't be the person I am today, I would still be a reclusive person who only went between school and home."

Question 6

CASE STUDY 6 'KL'

Accepted Answer

KL found out about Berwick Youth Project as a result of becoming homeless at around the age of eighteen." I had family problems. I moved into the supported housing at the youth project where I met most lovely people.

Then I used to spend time in the youth project. I was in a really bad place when I met them all (the staff of BYP). I had a bad attitude and thought that the world was against me. I was taking drugs and drinking a lot. And they helped me through everything, they made a big difference to me because I have no idea where I would be now if it wasn't for them.

They have helped me change my life around and see the world different (BYP continues to give KL regular guidance and recently offered key support following the death of two immediate family members). My life is now so much better am in a happy place and it's thanks to Berwick Youth Project."

Question 7

CASE STUDY 7 'IJ'

Accepted Answer

IJ has been in contact with the project since its inception in 1995 when we was 15 yeards old. " In my teens the project's drop- in service offered us a great welcoming place to be, whilst opening many doors that have proved to be instrumental in my life so far. I found the project to be invaluable as a go to place for any issues that may arise in my life, this is especially relevant to young people who may not know where to turn or maybe reluctant to visit more formal services.

Over this time I have taken part in a number of trips and residential visits ranging from outdoor adventure in the highlands to a two month placement working with children in Israel.

In 1998 I became one of the first residents of supported accommodation in Berwick, at Quay Walls (supported accommodation provided by BYP forming part of their youth offer). The format of this type of accommodation really made a difference to me at a pivotal time in my life.

All young people will encounter problems with independent living at some point. My time at Quay Walls helped highlight the issues in an environment of support that allowed me to develop, make mistakes and grow without fear of losing the roof over my head.

In the years after my time at Quay Walls I have been in stable long term employment, maintained stable safe accommodation, got married and had three children.

And to bring the whole experience full circle I am now employed as an accommodation support worker by, you guessed it, Berwick Youth Project".

Question 8

CASE STUDY 8 'MN'

Accepted Answer

MN was introduced to Berwick Youth Project by a friend at the age of nineteen because of family issues, which resulted in him having to seek alternative accommodation away from the family home. "I got the call (following an interview with a member of BYP staff) saying that I got a room lifted a lot of weight off my shoulders. When in accommodation the people in there made me feel so comfortable and welcome.

The member of staff helped me understand what it was like to actually live on my own and how to handle everything. Learning all

that made me stronger after all the trouble, fights and more I had seen and been brought up around. It made me stand up and say I CAN GET THROUGH THIS".

Nine months later a tenancy was secured on a flat and later that year MN became a proud mother. "Today I can finally say I HAVE DONE IT!!! I have my house, my child who I love more than anything and I am a step closer to getting college sorted. I wouldn't have been able to do all this if it wasn't for the people I have around me today that includes the Berwick Youth Project staff.

Question 9

CASE STUDY 9 'DC'

Accepted Answer

DC as part of his involvement with BYP took part in two expeditions one to Morocco and the second to Iceland.

"Both were very rewarding and experiences I will never forget. It was wonderful to meet new and interesting people, from the mountaineers who took us on our four day trek from the coast of Iceland right into the centre. To the guys who led the donkeys with all our bags and set up our camp every day in Morocco. We got to experience different cultures, from the way the

local people lived, to the food they ate in their everyday life.

Some of my highlights were when we reached our highest point in the Atlas Mountains and we got to see the Sahara Desert on the horizon, also visiting a local Moroccan market and being able to haggle with the stall owners to buy presents. In Iceland we visited the Blue Lagoon and saw the Geysers, where we got soaked! Also eating in a Viking restaurant with wooden plates and utensils was good fun.

Question 10

CASE STUDY 10 'OP'

Accepted Answer

OP heard about BYP after starting High School when one of the staff visited to talk about activities happening in the holidays. "I signed up to all the activities I could and threw myself into the deep end, this continued like this for every upcoming group or holiday, doing activities in the Beehive I did everything from canoeing to filming.

I remember spending my summers running around with a camera, thinking I was on top of the world. As time passed I got more involved in activity planning and I with friends set up a regular film club, watch films, do film quizzes and even in the holidays make movies. As I went into my final year at school I realised that I had reached the point in my life when I needed some extra support in my life. This is when I realised that the years I had spent with the beehive doing all fun activities and relaxing

was just the surface of what they do (BYP). At the time I was having many issues, and no one that I felt that I could turn to. I reached out to the Beehive for support and they were more than willing to help"

OP received substantial and ongoing support through some difficult and harrowing times.

"With the Beehive behind me I managed to pass all of my exams and gain a place at a top University, this was a huge achievement for me and was the opportunity I needed to move to a new chapter in my life. Now in my second year and gaining 1st's for my work, I can look back and say that I would not have even made it to University let alone get the grades I am getting and being so happy within myself and my surroundings without the help and support the youth project gave me for so many years of my life".

Question 11

CASE STUDY 11 'WX'

Accepted Answer

WX first visited BYP at approximately sixteen years of age. "I was struggling with life and other problems, with the lovely staff help I managed to get

my life together. Now with a good job and very hopefully with better insight. I would like to say a big thank you to the Youth Project team."

Question 12

CASE STUDY 12 'FE'

Accepted Answer

FE was a twenty one year old from Germany when she undertook her European Voluntary Service placement at BYP before starting their BSc programme of study. FE is now living in Sweden.

"You might think that a person is well aware of how the world works (at the age of 21) or what challenges some people face in their lives. But I grew up in a very isolated and happy area, where people have healthy family structures with 'standard' teenage and puberty problems. Before going to Berwick I didn't know much about the Youth Project and hadn't really heard about social problems or poverty in Europe. My time at BYP was an eye opener. I learned more about social security, different aspects of poverty and social problems among young people and poor families. This is the time where I started being interested in politics. Looking back I could not have chosen a better host for my European Voluntary Service.

The social workers at BYP were always helpful, patient and open. A relaxed place, youngsters could come in anytime, hang out, have a cup of tea, it was a safe drop in. Also the Beehive next door was an open drop-in, where regular activities and excursions were offered.

During my time at Berwick Youth Project I learnt:

Not to judge people who were harsh, impolite, aggressive or distant because everyone has a past.

To be patient.

To be aware of social problems and the growing discrepancy between rich and poor.

How important support and counselling is.

That activities, such as sport are very important for emotional health.

I am very grateful for the time at BYP as I matured there myself to a person that cares about its environment and understands societal structures and challenges. I believe that having spent time with youngsters coming from very different backgrounds made me interested in similar programmes in my own country Germany.

I have continued to volunteer (part-time) for other organisations throughout my studies and on into my career."

Question 13

CASE STUDY 13 'UV'

Accepted Answer

UV heard about BYP following a school visit by one of the workers to explain about what the project offered young people. "That was the beginning of on one of the best paths I've ever undertaken in my entire fifteen years of being alive. I began to open my eyes to the brighter world around me. I managed to sign up to the Beehive summer programme and some awesome activities. This included film making, Laser Tag

and an awesome theme park called Flamingo Land. I met some incredible people who have stuck by me ever since. The difference that the Beehive has made for me has given a place to go when I have nothing to do. I do so much more with my life now and I wouldn't regret walking through the Beehive door for the world. My life is so much better now the Beehive is my second home."

Question 14

CASE STUDY 14 'YZ & BA'

Accepted Answer

YZ and BA were both thirteen when they first visited the project they are now sixteen. "We met people from different cultures and made friends who we thought we would speak to. Whenever one of us had a problem there was always someone here at Beehive to speak to. By coming here as often as we do, we both have gained a lot of confidence. We got loads of opportunities, we did Race

for Life, we went to Longhirst Hall for an apprentice weekend, earned a qualification, loads of days out and a variety of trips. At the minute we do volunteering at the Beavers, which we found out about through the Beehive. We have a big group of friends that we have made here (the Beehive) and we have a lot of confidence."

Question 15

CASE STUDY 15 'HG'

Accepted Answer

HG thinks back to being sixteen years old and taking part in a trekking expedition in Morocco with BYP. "I had trekked with people my age before on the Duke of Edinburgh Award, but as you pack your own food, we had a lot of unhealthy snacks which rarely gave us the energy we needed... in Morocco we got to eat the local tajine cuisine prepared for us by our mountain guides.

Whilst my sixteen year old self might not have been so keen on the amount of vegetables at the time, by the end of the two weeks you could see the difference in my teenage acne from eating better food. As there weren't many mirrors, one of the BYP workers pointed this out to me, and I managed to cut down on sugary foods for the next year or so, before school broke me again.

The reduction of acne post Morocco did eventually help my teenage confidence though, and helped me make me the man I am today. The trekking element also started a lifelong desire for adventure."

HG went on to undertake a number of other physical challenges and on the way raised money for local charities, he encouraged other young people to train and head for the mountains.

"I decided to tackle Kilimanjaro, the largest freestanding mountain in the world. My experience in Morocco set me in good stead for this, and the team- building that had been led by BYP workers in Morocco was transferable to a Kilimanjaro trek where all 16 of us were successful. The Kilimanjaro trip was one of my main things on my CV that stood out to my current boss in Scotland and it wouldn't have happened without the experience Berwick Youth Project gave me. I aim to do Machu Picchu or the Great Wall of China in the next year or two. And I might be taking some of my new found friends from BYP with me."

Question 16

Accepted Answer

CD was first upset and then became ashamed of being adopted and even ashamed of going to school.

"One day things got really bad and I told a friend that I wanted to kill myself and that I had tried. The friend informed staff at BYP, a member of staff there gave me support and worked with social workers, police and mental health workers to make sure that me and my family were safe. BYP staff are still there for me. I can't thank them enough. I am getting better now and have made friends I know for a fact it is the direct result of the member of BYP'S staff. I just want to say thank you."

Question 17

Accepted Answer

"I was met with by a very welcoming team, who first off asked if I wanted a cup of tea, and I said AYE, wan milk n sugar, but my humour was a lot to be desired and my Scottish was very strong (being Scottish). I was helped with getting sorted with benefits and job searching in the local area, I was a regular at the project some would say a pain but the tea was ok. I met a lot of people who did become friends, I did get a job and played for a local darts team, which I thought integrated me into the local community."

EF went on working with BYP and took part in a French work experience visit which had a profound and lasting impact on EF. "Since having my experience (France) I have had two gorgeous children who are as outgoing as I am, and I would happily recommend work in a different country. During and after being on the project in France, I have worked with people from all over the world, my experience on a whole has taught me so much about life and has helped me to look at the world in a different light."

Question 18

Accepted Answer

Then I used to spend time in the youth project. I was in a really bad place when I met them all (the staff of BYP). I had a bad attitude and thought that the world was against me. I was taking drugs and drinking a lot. And they helped me through everything, they made a big difference to me because I have no idea where I would be now if it wasn't for them.

They have helped me change my life around and see the world different (BYP continues to give KL regular guidance and recently offered key support following the death of two immediate family members). My life is now so much better am in a happy place and it's thanks to Berwick Youth Project."

Question 19

Accepted Answer

instrumental in my life so far. I found the project to be invaluable as a go to place for any issues that may arise in my life, this is especially relevant to young people who may not know where to turn or maybe reluctant to visit more formal services.

Over this time I have taken part in a number of trips and residential visits ranging from outdoor adventure in the highlands to a two month placement working with children in Israel.

In 1998 I became one of the first residents of supported accommodation in Berwick, at Quay Walls (supported accommodation provided by BYP forming part of their youth offer). The format of this type of accommodation really made a difference to me at a pivotal time in my life.

All young people will encounter problems with independent living at some point. My time at Quay Walls helped highlight the issues in an environment of support that allowed me to develop, make mistakes and grow without fear of losing the roof over my head.

In the years after my time at Quay Walls I have been in stable long term employment, maintained stable safe accommodation, got married and had three children.

And to bring the whole experience full circle I am now employed as an accommodation support worker by, you guessed it, Berwick Youth Project."

Question 20

Accepted Answer

having a history of sexual abuse, but the member of staff never gave up on me. They helped me not only to tell my mum, but also through the police investigation and provided me counselling. They also saw me every week and supported me with any issues not only this during the police investigation but with school, bullying just to name a few.

They were amazing at distracting me especially with Youth Achievement Awards run through BYP, they definitely kept me busy. The key member of staff has been with me through the good times and the bad over the last six or seven years every step of the way.

I am currently studying at University and have (fingers crossed) my future planned out, without Berwick Youth Project I wouldn't be the person I am today, I would still be a reclusive person who only went between school and home."

Question 21

Accepted Answer

"I got the call (following an interview with a member of BYP staff) saying that I got a room lifted a lot of weight off my shoulders. When in accommodation the people in there made me feel so comfortable and welcome.

The member of staff helped me understand what it was like to actually live on my own and how to handle everything. Learning all that made me stronger after all the trouble, fights and more I had seen and been brought up around. It made me stand up and say I CAN GET THROUGH THIS."

Nine months later a tenancy was secured on a flat and later that year MN became a proud mother. "Today I can finally say I HAVE DONE IT!!! I have my house, my child who I love more than anything and I am a step closer to getting college sorted. I wouldn't have been able to do all this if it wasn't for the people I have around me today that includes the Berwick Youth Project staff."

Question 22

Accepted Answer

undertaken in my entire fifteen years of being alive. I began to open my eyes to the brighter world around me. I managed to sign up to the Beehive summer programme and some awesome activities. This included film making, Laser Tag and an awesome theme park called Flamingo Land. I met some incredible people who have stuck by me ever since.

The difference that the Beehive has made for me has given a place to go when I have nothing to do. I do so much more with my life now and I wouldn't regret walking through the Beehive door for the world. My life is so much better now the Beehive is my second home."

Question 23

Accepted Answer

I met new friends at the project and still keep in touch with them (two decades later), the youth project helped with my confidence.

It has made a massive change to my life, now I am more confident on approaching different aspects of life. I got involved in volunteering through the project and have carried it on in my adult life and now I am a qualified Guide Leader."

Question 24

Accepted Answer

my shoulders. I visited the Youth Project often and I always felt better knowing that there was someone I can talk to.

Even though I've moved away from the Berwick area I know that I am still able to contact them whenever I need to. I can't imagine where I'd be now if it wasn't for the Berwick Youth Project."

Question 25

Accepted Answer

It was wonderful to meet new and interesting people, from the mountaineers who took us on our four day trek from the coast of Iceland right into the centre. To the guys who led the donkeys with all our bags and set up our camp every day in Morocco. We got to experience different cultures, from the way the local people lived, to the food they ate in their everyday life.

Some of my highlights were when we reached our highest point in the Atlas Mountains and we got to see the Sahara Desert on the horizon, also visiting a local Moroccan market and being able to haggle with the stall owners to buy presents. In Iceland we visited the Blue Lagoon and saw the Geysers, where we got soaked! Also eating in a Viking restaurant with wooden plates and utensils was good fun."

Question 26

Accepted Answer

Now with a good job and very hopefully with better insight. I would like to say a big thank you to the Youth Project team."

Question 27

Accepted Answer

FE is now living in Sweden.

"You might think that a person is well aware of how the world works (at the age of 21) or what challenges some people face in their lives. But I grew up in a very isolated and happy area, where people have healthy family structures with 'standard' teenage and puberty problems. Before going to Berwick I didn't know much about the Youth Project and hadn't really heard about social problems or poverty in Europe. My time at BYP was an eye opener. I learned more about social security, different aspects of poverty and social problems among young people and poor families. This is the time where I started being interested in politics. Looking back I could not have chosen a better host for my European Voluntary Service.

The social workers at BYP were always helpful, patient and open. A relaxed place, youngsters could come in anytime, hang out, have a cup of tea, it was a safe drop in. Also the Beehive next door was an open drop-in, where regular activities and excursions were offered.

During my time at Berwick Youth Project I learnt:

Not to judge people who were harsh, impolite, aggressive or distant because everyone has a past.

To be patient.

To be aware of social problems and the growing discrepancy between rich and poor.

How important support and counselling is.

That activities, such as sport are very important for emotional health.

I am very grateful for the time at BYP as I matured there myself to a person that cares about its environment and understands societal structures and challenges. I believe that having spent time with youngsters coming from very different backgrounds made me interested in similar programmes in my own country Germany.

I have continued to volunteer (part-time) for other organisations throughout my studies and on into my career."

Question 28

Accepted Answer

Whenever one of us had a problem there was always someone here at Beehive to speak to. By coming here as often as we do, we both have gained a lot of confidence. We got loads of opportunities, we did Race for Life, we went to Longhirst Hall for an apprentice weekend, earned a qualification, loads of days out and a variety of trips. At the minute we do volunteering at the Beavers, which we found out about through the Beehive. We have a big group of friends that we have made here (the Beehive) and we have a lot of confidence."

Question 29

Accepted Answer

but as you pack your own food, we had a lot of unhealthy snacks which rarely gave us the energy we needed... in Morocco we got to eat the local tajine cuisine prepared for us by our mountain guides.

Whilst my sixteen year old self might not have been so keen on the amount of vegetables at the time, by the end of the two weeks you could see the difference in my teenage acne from eating better food. As there weren't many mirrors, one of the BYP workers pointed this out to me, and I managed to cut down on sugary foods for the next year or so, before school broke me again.

The reduction of acne post Morocco did eventually help my teenage confidence though, and helped me make me the man I am today. The trekking element also started a lifelong desire for adventure."

HG went on to undertake a number of other physical challenges and on the way raised money for local charities, he encouraged other young people to train and head for the mountains.

"I decided to tackle Kilimanjaro, the largest freestanding mountain in the world. My experience in Morocco set me in good stead for this, and the team- building that had been led by BYP workers in Morocco was transferable to a Kilimanjaro trek where all 16 of us were successful. The Kilimanjaro trip was one of my main things on my CV that stood out to my current boss in Scotland and it wouldn't have happened without the experience Berwick Youth Project gave me. I aim to do Machu Picchu or the Great Wall of China in the next year or two. And I might be taking some of my new found friends from BYP with me."

Question 30

Accepted Answer

and threw myself into the deep end, this continued like this for every upcoming group or holiday, doing activities in the Beehive I did everything from canoeing to filming.

I remember spending my summers running around with a camera, thinking I was on top of the world. As time passed I got more involved in activity planning and I with friends set up a regular film club, watch films, do film quizzes and even in the holidays make movies. As I went into my final year at school I realised that I had reached the point in my life when I needed some extra support in my life. This is when I realised that the years I had spent with the beehive doing all fun activities and relaxing was just the surface of what they do (BYP). At the time I was having many issues, and no one that I felt that I could turn to. I reached out to the Beehive for support and they were more than willing to help."

OP received substantial and ongoing support through some difficult and harrowing times.

"With the Beehive behind me I managed to pass all of my exams and gain a place at a top University, this was a huge achievement for me and was the opportunity I needed to move to a new chapter in my life. Now in my second year and gaining 1st's for my work, I can look back and say that I would not have even made it to University let alone get the grades I am getting and being so happy within myself and my surroundings without the help and support the youth project gave me for so many years of my life."

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