Success Story

Matt overcomes personal challenges in Mentor Me! programme

Matthew Pitt didn’t leave his house for three years due to severe anxiety issues – but changed his life thanks to an innovative Skills Training UK programme.

The 21-year-old, of Dudley, signed up to the national training provider’s Mentor Me! pioneering programme, which supports 16-24-year-olds who face challenging personal circumstances and are struggling with mental health.

Tutors with accredited training in Mental Health First Aid provide 1-2-1 mentoring sessions alongside workshops in money management, confidence building, and health and wellbeing.

Youngsters are supported to find and complete work experience placements and can achieve Functional Skills qualifications in English and maths – as they get on the right track towards work, further education, or a Traineeship.

The programme proved to be life-changing for Matthew, who achieved key qualifications in English and maths, boosted his self-esteem, and is now ready for the world of work.

At an emotional awards ceremony in Dudley, he was presented with the ‘Outstanding Achievement’ award for his remarkable achievements on the Mentor Me! programme.

Matt Pit

I rarely went out and, if I did it, it was always with my mum. But during the Mentor Me! programme, I travelled to Skills Training UK every day on my own and I went to the gym with two new friends I made on the programme. Everyone was very supportive and I felt very happy there.

Matt Pitt - Mentor Me! Programme

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“I still have some anxiety when I think about going into work and I still need to increase my confidence a little bit, but I am now thinking about going into work and getting a career, which is something I never would done before.”

As a result of the prorgamme, Matthew boosted his confidence to apply for a job in the retail sector, which he successfully secured in February 2019.

In the Mentor Me! programme, youngsters are also supported with managing appointments with external agencies, like GPs, housing associations, clinics and addiction support, while workshops also cover independent travel and resilience building.

Find out more about our Traineeships here.

Matt Pitt

Matt Pitt

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