The second year of our Facing the Future project has been one of significant growth, resilience, and impact. Just like our previous year, the work of our mental-health first-aid volunteers far exceeded our expectations and targets.
Volunteers and staff continued to meet monthly throughout the year. These mostly volunteer-led meetings proved invaluable for generating ideas and providing additional training.
The year was not without its challenges. The loss of four staff members, following funding reductions for another project, required us to rethink the project’s delivery model. As a result, we introduced weekly sessions for young people, planned and delivered by the Facing the Future volunteers. With this shift, volunteers gained greater autonomy over the project, whilst also receiving direct input from participants. Both reported a stronger sense of ownership over the project.
Study Sessions
Through open discussions, young people identified exam stress as a key factor affecting their wellbeing. In response, volunteers worked with them to establish Study Support sessions, which now run independently of the project. This highlights a key learning from Year 2: when young people actively shape provision, it leads to sustainable, positive change beyond the scope of the original programme.
We are proud of the progress made and look forward to building on this momentum in Year Three.
Help us make a difference to the wellbeing of Leicester’s young people! Why not join us as a Facing the Future volunteer in 2026!
