Andy was referred to the STREET programme at YMCA Training Chester from University Church of England Academy because he was struggling to cope with school life and was at risk of permanent exclusion.

Andy was suffering from emotional stress and upset due the recent breakup of his family. He had no motivation or concentration and didn't care whether he did well in school or not. Andy had a very poor behaviour record and had little or no listening skills, he didn't get on with any of the teachers and couldn't follow any instructions given.

Andy was often late for school and was very easily influenced by others. He really struggled to adapt to off-site provision initially and was often sent back to school due to abusive behaviour.

Andy was given a cooling off period to reflect on what he wanted as an individual. He returned a few weeks later and since then, hasn't looked back. He has achieved Functional Skills in Maths, an OCN award in Sport and Active Leisure and is just about to finish his City and Guilds Award in employability and Personal Development.

His attendance has been excellent and staff can see physical changes in his confidence and self-esteem. He has become a polite and well-mannered young man who is a pleasure to have in the classroom.

Matthew was referred to YMCA Training Salford's STRIVE programme from The Oasis Academy because of his moderate learning difficulties.

When he first came on the programme, Matthew was very easily led by his friend who was also on the STRIVE programme and at times he could be quite disruptive, but at the same time he was very shy and lacked confidence.

After several weeks we spoke to Matthew about doing a work placement at the Y Club gym (part of the YMCA) in Manchester because he had expressed an interest in sport. At first he seemed reluctant do this as he said he did not like meeting new people or doing interviews. After some persuasion he decided to go and see what his placement would entail.

Matthew was taken to the Y Club and did really well in the interview. As a result, he started straight away in a weekend position.

Matthew showed great commitment giving up his weekends to do a work placement. Since starting on his placement, he is a changed person and he has grown in confidence. Matthew has now progressed to our foundation learning programme, and has already had an interview for a job.

16-year-old Liam joined our 14-16 schools programme in YMCA Training Doncaster in February 2008 as he was in danger of being permanently excluded from school due to displaying challenging behaviour towards staff.

Liam had experienced extensive bullying in school, and had very low self-esteem and self-worth. When he first came to YMCA Training he found it very hard to communicate with others to the extent that he refused to make any eye contact or engage in any type of conversation or communication.

It quickly became clear to staff at YMCA Training that Liam had many issues, but felt that nobody listened to him.  By building a rapport with him, staff enabled Liam to gain confidence and trust in both them and his peers. This, coupled with the support of his mum, helped him to progress into a happy young man who has surpassed all previous expectations both socially and academically.

Liam's hard work and dedication means that he has already gained ten qualifications and certificates with YMCA Training, including adult literacy and numeracy and personal effectiveness.  He is now going to college to join a mechanics course

Liam said: "I am very proud to receive this award.  I didn't like it at school but coming to YMCA Training helped me change my behaviour and find other ways to cope.  I am now going to college to learn motor vehicle mechanics, which is what I have always wanted to do."

16-year-old Katie was referred to the STRIVE project in Salford with learning difficulties, predominately in literacy.

When she arrived her confidence levels were very low and she had little interaction with her group.  Over time, Katie has gone from having very little communication skills and confidence to being a good team player and getting involved in all the group activities.  Katie is currently working towards an award in Employability and Personal Development, and is currently on a work placement for two days each week at a children's nursery.

Hawanatu joined YMCA Training New Addington's Break Through Project after being referred by Connexions.

She is a young mum with lots of ambitions for a new life having fled her home country, Sierra Leone in 2007.  Hawanatu lives independently with her baby, Hamida, and her ultimate dream is to work in the health and social care sector.

When she first joined the Break Through Project, which covers the Croydon area, Hawanatu had a number of barriers to overcome, mainly the fact that English was not her first language, and that she had never used a computer before.

Staff were sensitive to Hawanatu's needs, providing as much time and support as was needed. As a result, Hawanatu's confidence blossomed and her determination to succeed enabled her to grow and achieve throughout her time with YMCA Training.

Hawanatu has completed a variety of qualifications, including numeracy, literacy and first aid, as well as carrying out a work placement at a local nursery.

Hawanatu said: "I have achieved my certificates and objectives - I liked all of the staff in the centre, have made friends and have also built my confidence."

Theo started on the STRIVE Project after leaving school.  Initially Theo arrived with his dad to meet the team and have a look at what STRIVE had to offer.  During the interview Theo's dad explained that Theo had severe behavioural problems and had difficulty focusing on work and general motivation along with problems with reading and writing.

 When first starting the project Theo was restless, lacking enthusiasm and motivation.  Theo was also finding it difficult to concentrate and would at times be disruptive.  After working closely with Theo, identifying his needs and learning styles Theo slowly began to improve.  By mid course Theo had made massive improvement with his behaviour and was now concentrating on his work showing a strong sense of commitment and enthusiasm to finding employment.

  During the course Theo managed to secure two interviews, one being at Silvertrack as an apprentice railway engineer.  Theo worked hard with his tutors preparing for the interviews and on his Literacy and Numeracy skills, preparing himself for the diagnostic test that he had to undertake as part of his interview.  The day after his interview Theo was contacted by Silvertrack to confirm that he had been accepted onto the apprentice scheme.  Theo was particularly happy as he was being paid to train and would be gaining new skills at the same time.  The same week Theo achieved his City & Guilds Award in Employability Skills which he had worked extremely hard to achieve.

Kaliciaa started on the STRIVE Project after leaving college. Kaliciaa was referred to STRIVE from Connexions as they thought she needed to build her confidence and gain employability skills; as this was affecting her at interviews and causing a barrier in her social life.

  When Kaliciaa first came onto the project she was extremely quiet and shy and found it really difficult to interact with the rest of the group.   Kaliciaa would often withdraw from group activities.  We worked with Kaliciaa at length to build her confidence, assessing her learning styles and needs along the way.  After a few weeks Kaliciaa started to interact with the rest of the group and soon established herself as somebody with something valuable to add to group discussions.  Once Kaliciaa started to interact with the group there was no stopping her.

  After many discussions and much thought Kaliciaa decided she would ideally like to work with children as she now felt more confident about meeting new people, together with her Tutors.  Kaliciaa looked at placement opportunities at nurseries in the local area.   After much time and effort all round, Kaliciaa secured a placement at Buffer Bears Nursery as a Play Assistant.

  Kaliciaa was closely monitored by the staff at Buffer Bears along with being monitored and reviewed weekly by her YMCA Training tutors.  The feedback from Buffer Bears was excellent throughout and Kaliciaa was an absolute natural with the children.  During this time Kaliciaa still had to attend STRIVE one day a week to continue with her work.  Kaliciaa came into STRIVE every Thursday to complete her work towards her City & Guilds Employability Skills Award.  Kaliciaa worked vey hard and strived with enthusiasm to catch up on her work.

  By mid October, Kaliciaa had completed her portfolio and had passed her Employability Skills Award.  On the last day of the course Kaliciaa was also due to finish her placement with Buffer Bears.  During the morning we received a phone call from Buffer Bears asking us