In collaboration with St Basils, we have developed the My Strengths Training for Life™ (MST4Life™) programme to help young people experiencing homelessness or at risk to engage with education, training, and work opportunities. This strengths-based programme mixes ten sessions with a 4-day residential trip to the University of Birmingham’s Raymond Priestley Centre.
The sessions are designed to build confidence and resilience by helping young people to recognise and use their strengths in individual and team challenges. Featured mental skills include how to develop positive mindsets, set goals, make and stick to plans, view setbacks as learning opportunities, as well as strengthen social support networks.
Our evaluation of the programme has found positive outcomes for the young people who take part, including improved mental well-being and self-esteem. As a consequence, they are better able to move on independently from St Basils and more motivated to engage in learning, work, and educational opportunities.
“The confidence I found in myself to do activities is the confidence I feel I need to move on to my next step- which is hopefully to find a job or volunteer” – Young Person who completed the #MST4LIFE programme
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Dr Jenn Cumming 
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