Mia is back on track with Bristol City Robins & the Post 16 Team
As part of the HYPE project, Bristol City Council’s Post 16 Team have partnered with the Bristol City Robin’s Foundation to deliver weekly football sessions for NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) young people.
The young people are invited to attend the afternoon sessions in South Bristol where they can take part in a game of football and receive one to one support from a Post 16 Career Coach.
Mia, one of the young people who attends the session, spoke about her experiences of the programme.
“I like playing football which is why I attend the Robins Programme. I didn’t get on well in school, I found it hard to concentrate and I couldn’t focus on things for a long time. I prefer doing more practical things to keep my head busy.”
Taking part in sport encourages the young people to work on their teamwork skills and get active, whilst also giving them an opportunity to socialise and make friends. The sessions also encourage the young people to get back into a routine and re-engage with the world of education and work. The young people work closely with the Robins Mentors and Meg, a Post 16 Career Coach, to explore their options, set goals, and have regular check ins.
Mia spoke about her plans for the future which she has arranged with the help of the Robins Mentors and Post 16 Coaches:
“I get along with Meg well, she’s my favourite. She helps me look for jobs. Her and Dani [Robins Youth Mentor] helped me apply for the course at Ashton Gate Stadium starting in September. It has been positive and hopefully I’ll be starting at the college which will help me engage in Maths and English again as well as playing football.
I want to be an air hostess when I’m 18. I think it would be nice because then I could travel at the same time which is something I’d like to do.”
When asked if she had any advice for other young people who might be in a similar situation, Mia had this to say:
“Try and keep a positive mindset, keep your head focussed and engaged on your future and the things that make you happy rather than the stuff that might be a bit negative in your life.”
If you’re interested in finding out more about the work of the Post 16 Team head to our website or get in touch: post16participation@bristol.gov.uk
For more information about Post 16 Provision at Bristol City Robins Foundation, see here.
