Feedback received in 2023

September

From the parents of a young person with learning difficulties and disabilities to a Personal Adviser in the SfYP LDD Team

“We want to say thank you for everything that you have done for [our son] over the last seven years, and for all the help and support that you have given to us. Young people with [his type of] challenges in life require as many advocates as they can get, and you have been a wonderful advocate… your input has always been invaluable… your participation in many diverse meetings has been hugely beneficial for our son. You have been a godsend to us… our go-to-person through [many] tribulations. Knowing that we could call upon you for help and advice has made a massive difference. Your visits have helped to ensure that all his needs are being supported, that he has as many opportunities as is practical to have new experiences, and that his day-to-day life is as comfortable as possible. We will always be grateful for everything that you have done for us.”

 

From an Adolescent Practitioner in the HCC Specialist Adolescent Service about a Personal Adviser in the SfYP East Herts, Broxbourne and Welwyn Hatfield Team

“I just wanted to take a minute to give some feedback on [an SfYP Personal Adviser]. She saw a young person with me yesterday and could not have been more helpful. [The young person] is in a very unfortunate position in life, has undiagnosed learning difficulties… and is struggling to get himself out of a big hole. [The Adviser] offered practical advice and support, helping him to sort out a [benefits] claim, explaining how to move forward and offering  ongoing support. She had a really high degree of empathy which completely put him at ease and gave him some hope for his future. I was so impressed, she is such an asset to your team.”

 

From a parent of a Year 11 student supported by a Senior Personal Adviser in the SfYP St Albans and Dacorum Team
“I am SO grateful for the support [given to my daughter]. [The Adviser] has been a lifeline!”

From the parent of a young person not in employment, education or training about the support provided by an SfYP Adviser in the East Herts, Broxbourne and Welwyn  Hatfield Team

“I just wanted to say how helpful [the SfYP Adviser] has been. After a routine telephone call, she took the time to listen to my concerns around my daughter and helped search for a solution. She was in contact regularly and I have now been referred to a training centre who have been equally as helpful. She is a credit to your service and I cannot thank her enough for simply listening.”

 

From a young person who contacted us through the website, who met with an SfYP Adviser at Bishop’s Stortford Young People’s Centre, and was supported by the SfYP East Herts Team on our Pathways to Success programme to find a job that he wanted within a few weeks

“I have some very exciting news to share. I've been offered a position as an IT engineer apprentice, and I'm starting next Monday! This opportunity aligns perfectly with what I've been searching for and can kick start my career in IT. The great thing about this job too is the fact that as I progress, there are many different departments within the firm that I can choose to specialise in once I know what I am better at. I was pleasantly surprised to receive the offer, considering there were several other candidates, and I'm just 18 years old, making it quite a competitive role. Anyways, I'm truly grateful for all the help and support both you have provided in launching my career.”

 

From an HCC SEND Implementation and Support Officer and parent about the support provided by a Trainee Personal Adviser in the SfYP East Herts, Broxbourne and Welwyn Hatfield Team

“I was struggling with information overload as a newbie to HCC and wasn’t sure what the SfYP parameters were in relation to a young person on my caseload. I came across [this Personal Adviser’s] name… so decided to contact him with all my questions. He has been awesome ever since, signposting me and [helping me] with all sorts of queries... He was also amazing when I had my parent hat on and he came to my son’s Year 9 annual review. My son wasn’t feeling great at his annual review and only attended school that day for the meeting, but [the SfYP Adviser] managed to engage even him, so huge thanks for that alone! His awesomeness means he is now my ‘go to’ person!”

 

From a young person who attended the SfYP summer holiday activity programme at the Waltham Cross Young People’s Centre

"I'm so happy I can come somewhere to learn videography and video editing skills. I don't have the facilities to do this myself. I will be attending more to carry on with these projects."

From a young person who attended the Ware SfYP summer holiday activity programme

“I had a great time, even when my friend left the programme. I am glad I came back for the whole of the week. The staff were great and I enjoyed cooking and badminton.”

From a parent of a young person who took part in the SfYP summer holiday activity programme with the Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere Team

“ My son has grown in confidence and is now feeling more independent. They were not able to travel independently before and now feel they can do so."

Feedback from young people attending the Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere SfYP summer holiday activity programmes

“I love cooking now, I never knew how to do it before and now I feel I can.”

“It’s nice to be able to come somewhere and feel comfortable, I can always talk to someone if I feel low.”

“I feel I learn a lot from being here.”

"I have had a great time, good to have things to do and I've made new friends."From Cllr Sacha Kanatli on X (twitter.com) about SfYP services at Waltham Cross Young People’s Centre

“I have just come back from visiting the Waltham Cross Young People’s Centre @hccsfyp. What a fantastic place offering incredible services to young people. There are some exciting plans in the pipeline. Please click on the link and read all about them. Young people help to plan exciting improvements at our Waltham Cross Young People’s Centre”

 

August

From a parent of young people supported by Personal Advisers in the SfYP East Herts, Broxbourne and Welwyn Hatfield Team

“Both my children were helped hugely by [Services for Young People]. They were given advice and direction by friendly mentors. The regular check-ins also gave them a routine. I can’t thank the staff enough for their support, as both have now moved on to permanent positions in careers they enjoy. A much needed service in the area for all the young adults who are unsure of their paths after leaving school.”

 

From a Shared Lives Carer about an Adviser in the SfYP (LDD) Team’s support  a young person with learning difficulties and/or disabilities

“Many thanks for your comprehensive assessment of [the young person in my care]. I will be able to send it to his social worker to try and support his development through direct payments. I really feel that you have taken time to try to understand [him] which is so helpful.”

 

July

From Student Support Coordinator & Designated Safeguard Person at Fearnhill School, Letchworth, about an SfYP North Herts Team youth work project

“I would like to express what a difference your Friday night project has made for one of our students in particular. Our student is in foster care. They have always been adamant that school is school and home is home, they have not been willing to engage in any form of group activity [outside of school] before attending your service. It has had a truly tremendous positive impact on our student, they have widened friendships and can openly talk about the activities involved. Thank you very much.”

From the Manager at Radlett Library to a Supported Employment Adviser in the SfYP LDD Team regarding a work experience placement as part of the HOP Into Your Future programme

“We organised some days where the young person could come in and see, not only how our library works, but also what it’s like to be in employment. I am happy to say that he has been excellent, helping us out with a lot of daily tasks, assisting with our displays, weekly events, and the Summer Reading Challenge... We are now moving him onto a 70-hour placement, where hopefully he will gain some valuable knowledge that will go on to help him in future work roles. It has been a great experience for all involved, and I cannot recommend the HOP scheme highly enough… We hope that we can help many more people in future .”

From a Mental Health Practitioner in the Hertfordshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team about Youth Workers and a Personal Adviser in the SfYP St Albans and Dacorum Team

“I just wanted to send you some feedback regarding a young person I referred... I saw her today and she has been attending an [SfYP] HAPpy [Holiday Activity Programme] project and shared that it was a really positive experience and has really helped her with feeling less lonely, which is something she has been really struggling with. She also said that she had a really positive experience with the Youth Workers at the project and said they were really supportive and approachable to chat with. She also shared that she was really happy with the support [the SfYP Adviser] was going to provide her with getting into college and supporting her with the process. Thank you for the support from this young person, there was a real difference in her mood today!”

From young people to Youth Workers in the SfYP Stevenage team about attending the Stevenage LGBT+/Transgender Identity Project

“When I come here, I have the best time, I can just be me!” 

“I loved the supporting nature of everybody at the group."

 

From a young person to Advisers in the SfYP Broxbourne, East Herts, Welwyn Hatfield IAG team about a workshop delivered at Goff's Academy, Cheshunt as part of the Navigate Your Future programme

“I liked today because I got to think about what I wanted to do. I loved the activities and the fact that I was included. I could chat sit with my friends and discuss my ideas. It was fun and happy. It helped me think about getting older and all the job options.”

 

From the parent of a home educated young person to a Personal Adviser in the SfYP Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere Team about one to one support received

“Thank you for all you do for [young person]. It’s like you just came into our lives like an angel, just at the right time when my daughter most needed it. She’s been through an awful lot in her life and I’m so grateful that you are there for her and that your services are available. What you do with young people is really needed to help them with their lives and futures and I don’t know where we would be without it.”

 

From the Head of Legal and Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer at East Herts District Council to the SfYP LDD Team regarding the My Future Project

“It has been a pleasure providing work experience for a young person here at East Herts… A supportive work experience placement can help individuals develop transferable skills, understand how organisations work, build confidence, and confirm or decide on a young person’s chosen career path… easing young people into [the world of work] gradually is a fantastic way of helping to soften that transition.”

 

From the parent of a young person to a Supported Employment Adviser in the SfYP LDD Team

 “How great you have been at offering in depth help. I feel you really understand my daughter’s needs.”

From a young person to Youth Workers and a Personal Adviser in the SfYP St Albans & Dacorum Team

“We had a great time at the [young refugee youth work project] music workshop. There were drums like I played back home, so I could really show my talents. We sang in English, French, Farsi, Turkish and Portuguese. The staff were kind, welcoming and like friends - they let us focus on what we wanted to do. When I heard we are going to get a recording of our songs from the team at the XC [Hemel Hempstead Young People’s Centre], it was amazing news. I can't wait to hear it - and I hope I can go back there again.”

From the Projects and Partnerships Manager at Amazing Apprenticeships to a Senior Personal Adviser and the IAG WRL Practice Manager in the SfYP St Albans & Dacorum Team

 “We just wanted to say a huge thank you for all of your support and time today! It was a great session... [The six care leavers who attended were] enthusiastic and inspired to get applying/get support [from you] afterwards, so we hugely appreciate the time you both took in the planning and in joining us today.”

 

From the parent of a young person regarding an SfYP youth work project to Youth Workers in the SfYP St Albans and Dacorum Team

“Thank you so much for the [youth work] sessions you have been running on a Monday evening. They have been incredible. My son has taken so much from them. The people running the sessions have taught him so much. He's on countdown every time he leaves to come back again! We really appreciate how good you have been with him. He would never have had this opportunity without you.”

 

From the Senior Management Team at Presdales School about careers information, advice and guidance (IAG) delivered by an IAG WRL Development Worker in the SfYP Broxbourne, East Herts and Welwyn Hatfield Team

 “You have been absolutely amazing with our Year 11s. They all have an [action] plan [with their future pathway] and this is a credit to the work you have done with them. The workshops were fab this year too.”

 “Our Sixth Form students have said how beneficial your help has been and they really appreciate it.”

 

From the parent of a young person receiving one-to-one support as part of the SfYP Pathways to Success programme to a Senior Personal Adviser in the SfYP North Herts and Stevenage Team 

“ My son had his interview at Oaklands college yesterday... He has been offered a place on the course… I am so happy for him. Thank you for all your help and support with preparing him to get ready for his interview.”

From the Associate Leader at Marlborough Science Academy, St Albans, about the delivery of a CV/interview workshop by Advisers in the SfYP St Albans and Dacorum Team

“It was a brilliant workshop… kept students engaged and focused for the duration and set them up brilliantly for their mock interviews immediately after… a great morning.”

 

June

From attendees at the SfYP IAG WRL annual virtual conference

"Thank you for a really great day, very informative.”

“Lots to think about and follow up.”

“I am looking forward to engaging some of our staff with the resources provided today to deliver to students.”

“Congratulations to SfYP on the conference; really interesting topics and speakers.”

"It was a great day and has spurred on my planning for the next academic year".

"I thought the facilitation of the day - introductions..., responding to questions and break out rooms were excellent and kept energy levels high."

"Brilliant - practical information [from UCAS] and relevant to my role."

From a young person receiving one-to-one support as part of the SfYP Pathways to Success programme about meeting an Employment and Training Adviser in the SfYP St Albans and Dacorum Team

“Having meetings and talking about jobs that will suit me… is very helpful and useful, and seeing [my Employment and Training Adviser] who is always helpful and understanding [has been the most positive thing about the programme for me] because she knows how to help people like me.”

 

From Social Value and Sustainability Advisor at Octavius Infrastructure about an SfYP mock interview event at Chancellor’s School, Hatfield

“SfYP events are always very well organised and fun days, helping children for their future. I honestly don’t believe anything could be improved upon – students are well briefed and it runs smoothly.”

 

From the Assistant Head Teacher at Watford Grammar School for Girls to a Youth Worker in the SfYP Watford Team

“I just wanted to pass on a huge thank you for all the work which [our Youth Worker] does for us, and to say how invaluable it is. She is supporting some of our most vulnerable students, and is doing an incredible job at building relationships, helping them to find positive ways of using their time, and supporting their mental health and wellbeing. We value her work so much. We very much hope that [the SfYP Youth Worker] will be able to continue to work with us in school next year, as she is absolutely in tune with the needs here.”

May

From a parent of a young person with special educational needs who took part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) with the SfYP East Herts Team

“I wanted to share our experience with DofE (Bronze) for which our son enrolled few months ago. It has been brilliant and we cannot [emphasise enough how much we] appreciate the kind of support and guidance we have received throughout the process. Thank you! Since our son has special needs, we were sceptical of registering him for DofE as were not sure if he would be able to do it. You clarified our doubts and provided guidance at the start and throughout his journey... DofE  made things very structured for him. For the first time he started to volunteer, gradually gaining confidence, and now looks forward to it. Regarding expeditions, once again we were hesitant in terms of how he [would] manage by himself in a new setting. But we got full support from the team and felt confident after discussions with you.

Our son said: “I felt happy in expedition. I enjoyed the difficult walks. I liked walking with [the DofE volunteer]. I saw birds and lots of trees, it was nice.”

“Our sincere thanks to [the whole] team involved for all the support and the inclusivity provided. This has been invaluable and we already see him to be more composed and confident after the expedition. We look forward to seeing him transition from Bronze to Silver and will seek your guidance at that time.”

 

From a grandparent of a young person receiving one-to-one support from a Youth Worker in the SfYP Three Rivers Team

“I would like to express my gratitude for all the support [the youth worker] has given to my grandson and his mum. From just a phone call or a face to face appointment, food bank vouchers and assisting with forms, the support as a family we have received is outstanding. It is comforting to know she is able to point us in the right direction with any issues we may have.”

From a county councillor to the SfYP Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere Area Team Manager

 “There is so much good work done by you and your team in the Three Rivers area working with our young people and helping them to achieve their goals and potential. I am very aware of the skills and commitment needed by your team to achieve the small but very important steps for our children. Keeping them safe whilst providing them with important skills. Thank you, to you and all the team.”

 

From the Careers and Enrichment Leader at Laureate Academy, Hemel Hempstead, following the bespoke body image groupwork sessions delivered by Youth Workers in the SfYP St Albans and Dacorum Team

“We had some really positive outcomes and feedback from the sessions you delivered. I sat in one of the final ones last week and was so impressed by [the SfYP Youth Workers]. They really made the students feel comfortable (even though they were a very small group) and the content was pitched perfectly for the students' age.  Staff have said that the sessions were impactful and enjoyable and the fact that we split boys and girls made them feel much more comfortable about talking within the group. If anything, I hope that the students have taken away that everybody is different and they need to feel comfortable in their own skins. Many thanks and I look forward to working with you again.”

 

From a parent of a young person receiving one-to-one support from a Personal Adviser in the SfYP North Herts and Stevenage Team

“Thank you so much for getting in touch… you’ve made my day. I feel like I have been dealing with this all on my own and now I’m being offered all this support which is amazing, I really appreciate it.”

 

From a student at Hertfordshire & Essex High School, Bishop's Stortford, following a one-to-one careers guidance interview with a Senior Personal Adviser in the SfYP East Herts, Broxbourne and Welwyn Hatfield Team

“I had my appointment today [and we] discussed pathways after a holistic consideration of my circumstances, and it couldn't have gone any better. I can't stress enough how helpful this meeting was, which is why I think it'd be helpful if more people took advantage of it. [The Adviser] has already gotten back to me with my action plan… how wonderful she was at taking into consideration all of what we discussed in the meeting; it's extremely thought out and has taken such a weight off my shoulders due to the reassurance, feedback on my previous plan and clear next steps of what I should be doing to inform my future decision. I am so grateful for the amount of support we get at this school!”

 

From a parent of a young person receiving one-to-one support from an Employment and Training Adviser in the SfYP East Herts, Broxbourne and Welwyn Hatfield Team

“Just wanted to… say thank you so much for all your help and support with my son. You really have made a difference with him and he’s now actually looking forward to starting his job - and what a great apprenticeship opportunity he has got.”

From the Careers Leader at Sele School, Hertford, about a Personal Adviser in the SfYP Broxbourne, East Herts and Welwyn Hatfield Team

The Personal Adviser has fitted in seamlessly and the school values her experience and extensive knowledge. Feedback from students has been good and she understands the school’s students well. She has developed a strong working relationship with the school and SEN team. 

From a parent of a young person receiving one-to-one support from a Personal Adviser in the SfYP Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere Team

“Thank you for everything you do for my daughter, it's very much appreciated! There is a very positive difference in her and your role is undeniable in this change.”

 

April

From the Careers Leader at St Mary’s Catholic School, Bishop's Stortford, to a Personal Adviser in Broxbourne East Herts Welwyn Hatfield Team

“You are fantastic and I very much appreciate your insights and flexibility in delivering information, advice and guidance [to our students].”

 

From the Careers Leader at Richard Hale School, Hertford, about Personal Advisers in the East Herts, Broxbourne and Welwyn Hatfield Team

"I have continued to be very impressed with the work SfYP carry out. Our two advisors are incredibly knowledgeable, supportive and proactive in their approach and have provided an excellent quality of service to our young people. They communicate in a timely fashion, understand the pressures of a busy school environment and liaise well with both each other and myself to ensure appointments run smoothly. They are both a fantastic asset to the school. I have also greatly valued [one of the Personal Adviser’s] input and experience in ensuring our careers programme goes from strength to strength.”

March

From a parent of a young person receiving support from a Personal Adviser in the SfYP St Albans and Dacorum Team
"When my son came out of his last appointment [with you] he was like a totally different person... he enjoys talking to you and finds it so helpful. I think you’re the first person in years that he feels comfortable with… so thank you."

From Beaumont School to Advisers in the Services for Young People St Albans and Dacorum Team
“Thank you so much for coming into Beaumont this morning to help us launch our Apprenticeship Encounters programme to the Year 9 students. We were very pleased to be able to give our students the chance to hear first-hand what it is like to be an apprentice and the opportunities that are available to them. The information they take away from your presentations will be invaluable and will serve them well when considering their own future pathways. I do hope we may be able to call on you again should we organise something similar in the future.”

 

From the Assistant Headteacher at Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School to a Trainee Personal Adviser in the St Albans and Dacorum Team
“I just wanted to write and say a huge thank you for giving up your time to speak to our students at Friday’s Careers Fair. It was a fantastic day… our students really appreciated hearing from you.”

 

From a parent to a Personal Adviser in the Stevenage and North Herts Team
“Thank you... you have gone above and beyond in your role to help me and my daughter, and we really appreciate it.”

From a parent of a young person receiving support from a Personal Adviser in the East Herts, Broxbourne and Welwyn Hatfield Team
“Thank you so much for your time last week. You were more than helpful and I was so pleased that [my son] engaged with you. You are obviously very good with young people, it is a real skill. Thank you too for all the information you provided in your email and at the meeting too."

From the NSPCC East of England Campaigns Officer to Youth Workers in the SfYP Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere Team in reference to the Watford Youth Council supporting the NSPCC Neglect Matters campaign

“Thank you for all the support from SfYP Youth Workers and specifically the young people for making this campaign a success.”

February

From the Head of Year 13 at Presdales School, Ware, to a Personal Adviser in the Services for Young People Broxbourne, East Herts and Welwyn Hatfield Team about delivery of the ASK programme
“The support we get from our Services for Young People contact is priceless. Her enthusiasm and knowledge are really helpful. The student feedback about the sessions is that it has made them more aware of the type of things they might be asked in interviews as well as preparing for the application process itself.”

 

From a School Family Worker at Gade Schools Family Support to a Youth Worker in the Services for Young People Dacorum Team about a young person attending our Supporting You and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programmes

"Thank you...  for the fantastic support you provide for [this student]; it has reassured me that I will be able to close our sessions in the near future as he now has a strong network around him."

From the Marlborough Science Academy, to Employment and Training Advisers in the Services for Young People St Albans and Dacorum Team about their delivery of Pathways to Success programme

“Firstly a huge thank you! The students really appreciated the opportunity to spend time looking at skills and options for their next steps. They have already been to see me to check I am ok to make contact with you for further questions after half term!

The students said they are really pleased to have had the opportunity to focus on developing their CVs and look at options for the future. All have now applied for their next steps, which I know is in no small part down to your help over the two-day programme. They have come away much more confident in discussing their plans and aspirations for the future, which is fantastic... [the programme] also helped re-focus them in preparation for their exams so they are clearer in what they want to achieve. We look forward to working with you to deliver next year’s programme.”

From Assistant Head/Head of KS4 at Stevenage ESC to a Trainee Personal Adviser in the Stevenage and North Herts Team
“Our SfYP Adviser gains a good rapport with our students and helps them feel at ease during their sessions… [She] is able to determine when a student is not in the right headspace to meet, and is sympathetic and flexible in her approach. She has identified students that need further support and is proactive in addressing this. She provides detailed action plans for each student she sees... has excellent communication skills and has a good relationship with the staff she encounters... She continues to be a very positive force in assisting us to achieve the best outcomes possible for our students. ”

 

January

From the Head of 6th Form at Monk’s Walk School, Welwyn Garden City, to a Services for Young People Employment and Training Adviser in the Broxbourne, East Herts and Welwyn Hatfield Team

“I wanted to thank you for the talk [about apprenticeships] last week which was perfect. Lots of students are asking me about apprenticeships now and I can see them doing research as I type! Thanks!”

From a parent to a Personal Adviser in the Services for Young People LDD Team

"Thank you again for today’s meeting. You were extremely helpful. You made not only myself but my daughter feel extremely at ease and she was able to just be herself, which she normally isn’t like with many people. She didn’t feel the need to mask or be nonverbal. You have always been very polite, bubbly and kind which is extremely important to a teen like her. This was also extremely helpful as she engages a lot easier. Even though she doubts everyone and everything, she has come away and said she feels somewhat hopeful after chatting with you… Thank you also for helping me to understand the process and how things can look and work for my daughter. You are a credit to what you do and deserve to have some recognition for this and I hope more people like yourself continue to go on and help others in your field of work."

From the Education & Enrichment Coordinator at the Grange Academy, Bushey, about Services for Young People ASK delivery

"Please pass on a massive thankyou from me and the Year 11 students and teachers. I have received some very positive feedback from students and staff. The session was really useful and has sparked interest amongst the students.”

From an Outreach Caseworker at Dacorum Education Support Centre (DESC) to a Services for Young People Youth Worker in the Dacorum Team

"I just wanted to say a big thank you for coming in to talk to all the DESC staff yesterday. Your talk was really well planned and thought out, nailed the brief, thorough and comprehensive. It gave staff a lot to think about and ideas continued to follow on throughout the day - which was incredibly helpful to us, moving forward. I am hoping that this ongoing piece of work, to which you have made a significant and really important contribution - will make a real difference to the LGBTQ+ young people who come into contact with DESC, in whatever context."