How mentoring changes lives
Naomi Evans was referred to the Northumbria Coalition Against Crime at the age of 15 while living in Newcastle.
At the time she found it almost impossible to relate well to adults or other young people and could not cope at all with being challenged.
This led to her being excluded from school and then from college, and she left both with no qualifications. She was also becoming known to the police and was often getting into scrapes with them.
After several preparatory meetings with one of the Coalition's project workers, Naomi was matched with her first mentor. Although things were difficult for both at first, Naomi and her mentor built up a good relationship lasting 12 months. The benefits were huge, and during this time Naomi completed a City & Guilds Profile of Achievement Award. She was thrilled to gain the award as it was the first thing she had ever really achieved.
The Coalition's support for Naomi continued as she was still experiencing difficulties in her reactions to other young people, and found it hard to communicate with them.
She went on a painting and decorating training course, but still faced issues when trying to find a placement for her new found skills. By working closely with another mentor for six months Naomi was accepted as an apprentice and recently won a 'Most Improved Apprentice of the Year' award.
Naomi's new found confidence is inspirational. She has appeared on BBC Radio Newcastle talking about some of her experiences. She also recently spoke to an audience of over 100 people at a regional mentoring and befriending conference.
Fantastic for someone who struggled to maintain eye contact when talking to just one person a little more than 12 months earlier.
Everyone at the Coalition is very proud of Naomi and everything she has achieved. She has a new set of friends and feels positive and happy about her future.
