James first got involved with Youth Options when we began delivering sessions in Winchester. He hadn’t been in mainstream education for several years and found it difficult to engage in settings where he didn’t feel he had control. With a challenging home life, separated parents, and his stepdad in prison, James had few positive male role models in his life.
We first met James at the King George V skatepark in Highcliffe, where he was practicing tricks on his scooter. Our Youth Support Workers brought along their skateboards, and over time, they built trust through shared interests. What started as casual conversations about scootering turned into deeper chats about his struggles at home and with school.
James began attending our indoor sessions at the King George V Pavilion during the winter. There, he discovered a passion for music and started learning how to DJ with support from our digital music lead. He especially enjoyed sampling and mixing songs, and the sessions gradually evolved to reflect his growing interest and creativity.
Since then, James has started coming to our Youth Centre in Winnall and the Friday Football Project. These spaces have helped him develop friendships, build confidence, and stay away from anti-social behaviour. He’s also opened up more about his own music, even writing some of his own rap lyrics, and is now working with staff to record them using a mic and beats he’s chosen himself.
Through the support of our team and his own growing interests, James now has positive outlets, new skills, and trusted adults he can turn to.
*Please note, all names and pictures of young people have been changed for privacy.