Reid is a 14 year old young man who whether he could fully articulate it or not, wanted to feel safe, connected, and confident in who he is. He wanted someone he could trust, a space where he could be heard, and the opportunity to see his true potential.
The challenges Reid faced prior to engagement were significant. He had experienced ongoing instability in his home environment, with changes in caregivers and a lack of consistent connection with his biological parents. This created a sense of uncertainty and disconnection, impacting his confidence, emotional wellbeing, and sense of belonging. Alongside this, there were behavioural challenges at school, moments of boundary pushing, and difficulty expressing emotions in a healthy way.
These experiences acted as barriers, making it harder for Reid to feel secure, trust others, and make positive choices. Without consistent support and safe relationships, he was at risk of continuing patterns of disconnection and low self belief.
At Youth Encounter, Reid met a supportive team who created a safe, consistent, and accepting environment for him to step into. Through the 1 to 1 Activity Therapy programme, Reid was given both a space to have fun and a space to be heard.
The programme provided a clear plan through weekly sessions that combined dirt bike riding with therapeutic kōrero. This approach allowed Reid to engage in a way that felt natural to him, building trust and connection while developing skills around emotional awareness, values, communication, and decision making.
Reid was supported and gently challenged to take steps forward. He was encouraged to share his thoughts and feelings, reflect on his experiences, and try new ways of responding. Through this, Reid was given the opportunity to build confidence, strengthen relationships, and experience what it feels like to be supported and valued.
Reid successfully completed the programme, attending all sessions and fully embracing the journey. Over time, he showed increased confidence, stronger connection with trusted adults, and a greater willingness to talk about his thoughts and feelings.
He engaged openly in both the riding and therapeutic components, building skills and developing a more positive sense of self. Reid began to show that he is capable of making good choices and contributing positively to the spaces around him.
The impact of this journey was evident not only in Reid, but also in the feedback from those around him. During his final session, his grandfather shared that the programme had made him
“a different person,”
highlighting the positive shift that had taken place.
Reid continues to seek connection and support, which is now being sustained through ongoing mentoring. This ongoing relationship will help reinforce the growth he has made and continue guiding him toward a future where he feels confident, connected, and valued.
Reid’s story is one of resilience, connection, and potential. With the right support around him, he is stepping toward a future where he can live life wide open.