What was the challenge?

Charlie had recently moved to Kendal. They didn’t know where to go to meet other young people. Whilst they were looking online, Charlie spotted a flyer for OINK, but they were nervous to go along. Deep down, they knew they wanted to go but since the covid lockdowns, Charlie had not had many opportunities to socialise in person. Even when they arrived at OINK, they spent most of the sessions on their phone.

What did Brathay do?

At OINK, Charlie met Katie, a youth worker at Brathay. Every week they spent two hours with like-minded young people and had the opportunity to take part in different activities. In school holidays, Charlie also attended group trips with OINK. They went bowling in Morecambe and went canoeing at Brathay Hall.

Slowly, Charlie developed a close friendship with another young person called Keira. Together, they spent more time talking with the group and had the confidence to share their experiences as a young person in the LGBTQIA+ community

What was the impact?

Charlie and Keira are now best friends and spend lots of time together outside of OINK. At the group, Charlie barely uses their phone anymore, they are always present in conversations and keen to try new things.

Katie said, “I can’t believe the difference I have seen in Charlie. They are buzzing with confidence and brings so much energy to the group."

The OINK youth group is a safe space where I can be myself when other places may not feel so safe to be.

Charlie, OINK Participant

*Names have been changed.