Reflection

 

For this edition, Hot Chocolate Trust has shared with us the story of Stewart* (19), who has been with them for over five years. The Trust is a Christian youth work organisation, born from the Steeple Church in Dundee City Centre. They work with around 300 young people who gather in the city centre, many of whom are variously vulnerable, and many living risky lifestyles.

The Story of Stewart

When he first appeared, Stewart’s behaviour was of real concern. He drank lots, and would even appear heavily under the influence in the morning. He was involved in a lot of risk taking behaviour - violent incidents weren’t unusual, he was banned from some public places for inappropriate conduct, the police were often at his door, and he soon ended up with an ASBO and threat of eviction. His mental health was also beginning to suffer.

During this time he lost access to his young child, then shortly after this he also lost a close friend to suicide and he hit rock bottom, with very little belief in himself or his future. He had lost much of his childhood.

As the Hot Chocolate team got to know him however, they saw a very caring and loyal person struggling to overcome major obstacles in life. They offered support and positive opportunities whenever they could, but initially these were limited in success. A work experience placement that Hot Chocolate arranged broke down, as did a referral to a Lifeskills programme. Regardless, the door remained open, and team kept offering support.

Early in 2012, one of Stewart’s friends found a steady job and began to thrive. Since then, Stewart has become increasingly focused on finding employment for himself and greater stability for his child... but he doesn’t want any old job, he wants a career.

The Hot Chocolate team has worked closely with him in the past year to help him achieve his long term goal of becoming a joiner. He has met a team member frequently for individual support, got involved in regular group work, he’s volunteered whenever asked, he’s been successfully referred to specialist training programmes (and completed them), he’s been supported in writing job applications, he’s asked for references, and he’s even been part of Hot Chocolate’s selection process for recruiting new staff members. He’s trying to establish more frequent contact with his child. And he’s been to start a college course which starts on Monday...

Life is still not straightforward for Stewart. He still faces real challenges. But with his newly found hope for what lies ahead, clear plans to achieve his goals, and ongoing support from his Hot Chocolate family... He’s finding his future.

* Details have been changed to protect his anonymity