Blocks is a 1-to-1 mentoring programme to gives 8-11 year olds in North and East Manchester all the tools they need to move to high school effectively.
The program aims to build up a positive and trusted space with a dedicated mentor that will give them regular time to learn and develop new skills that will help them in their everyday life.
Our mentors are based in local school communities which gives the opportunity for children to see their mentor regularly in a session environment and in their daily school routine.
These sessions will provide time where they can work together on subjects such as;
• Confidence
• Self-esteem
• Managing difficult emotions
• Healthy relationships
• Coping strategies
• Planning for their future at high school
Blocks Manchester runs for the duration of the whole school academic year, with support also being available in school holidays.
This would consist of sessions in local communities and positive activities to support the program in giving opportunities to use the skills children are being taught in their sessions.
Blocks is commissioned by Greater Manchester Combined Authority in partnership with Salford Foundation.
We also deliver and support a small Blocks cohort of young people in Salford.
Blocks Explained
Blocks Outline Curriculum - developing social, emotional and personal skills
My Identity focuses on who the young person is, gives them a deeper understanding of themselves, teaches techniques for identifying and managing emotions, and builds self-esteem. This sets a foundation for understanding how factors identified in future sessions impact their emotional health.
My Relationships teaches them how to identify red flags in a relationship including conversations around power and coercion, discusses who their positive role models are, and has them consider which of their relationships are healthy. It also gives the young people tips on how to express concerns they have about specific relationships in a healthy way.
My Environment applies the previous two categories to the environments they are usually in such as school, home, and any outside activities they participate in. This also helps the young people identify safe places they can go to, and safe people within those places. The emotional health exercises from the first few weeks are applied here.
My Future identifies the young peoples’ future aspirations. This involves setting goals and a vision for their future and thinking about how they will apply what they have learned in the sessions to any future challenges they face.
Manchester Blocks Case Study
Freddie's Story
‘Freddie’ was referred to Blocks as he was involved in numerous fights both in and out of school. He spent significant amounts of time unsupervised in the local area, particularly in a local park that is a hot-spot for drug dealing, violent incidents and sex work.
He was seen as being at high risk of exploitation as he struggled to establish healthy relationships and boundaries. He was involved in a ‘prank’ in which he was ‘kidnapped’ by an older young person and tied to a radiator – all of which was filmed for sharing on social media.
Freddie gradually built a trusting relationship with his mentor and began to explore emotions; healthy relationships; setting boundaries; and anger management. In particular, Freddie learnt practical strategies and techniques he could use when situations began to escalate. Since participating in Blocks, Freddie’s school report that he is calmer, more self-assured and that he has not been involved in any fights.
Downloads
If you believe you have a young person who would benefit from Blocks Support, please submit the referral form to
youthservices@salfordfoundation.org.uk
Get involved
If you want to get involved and make a difference, get in touch with us to discuss how you can help.
