“Some of the most comforting words in the universe are ‘me too.’ That moment when you find out that your struggle is also someone else’s struggle, that you’re not alone, and that others have been down the same road.” – Anonymous
Working within a group to build social skills, confidence and self-esteem has many benefits – learning to share, take turns, negotiate, understand the need for rules and boundaries, accepting the opinion of others and building the confidence to express your own opinion. These skills transfer to home, school and the wider community, enabling young people to become effective members of society.
Within “The Dreadnought Centre” a high ratio of adult to young person is practiced within group sessions– a minimum of 1:2 and this enables young people to have access to a worker for one to one conversations and support if required.
Group sessions are facilitated by a staff team member supported by trained volunteers, providing young people with a variety of positive adult role models.
Our Current Groups are;
Nurture Groups - Primary aged 8 - 11 years
Developing group and friendship skills while building confidence and self-esteem in a supportive nurturing environment. A great way to build on and put into practice one to one work already undertaken or as a support for young people in school or for their transition back into school.
This group is offered both during the daytime and evening.
Young Men’s Group - Secondary aged 12 - 16 years
The focus of the group is; friendships, emotions – in particular anger/anxiety and aggression, bullying vs banter, managing behaviour as well as the issues the young men bring themselves.
Specific issue groups are also available – examples are young women’s / men’s group, young carers, leaving care, Independent living and wheelchair users. If you have a group of young people with a specific issue or need please contact the Centre to discuss the support Dreadnought can offer.
Dreadnought’s Sibs is a fun peer-based support group for the siblings of children with additional needs and disabilities.
Dreadnought’s Sibs provides a ‘safe space’ where Children and Young People are able to relax, unwind and socialise in a supportive and nurturing environment with those who are experiencing similar difficulties to themselves. The group will be based on Children and Young People having fun and developing new friendships while having time out from family life.
Whilst the group is not specifically issue based there are opportunities for a Child or Young Person to talk with one of the experienced team members in the group on a one to one basis. If the Children and Young People attending the group bring similar issues a portion of the session will be devised to address this in a fun, safe and supportive way, enabling Children and Young People to recognise that they are not alone in their experience.
For our latest SIBS sessions dates and times please go to our Facebook Page
“Dreadnought’s Sibs sessions are great fun a chance to meet friends who understand about our family”: Family
“He, absolutely loves it and can’t wait to come again. The staff are lovely and the groups are small without being too small and very welcoming”: Parent
School Issue Based Peer Groups
Dreadnought can deliver issue-based peer support groups within the school setting. Aimed at groups of young people who are having similar difficulties, for example, friendships or anger management.
The young people are encouraged to work together and support each other to work through the difficulties they are having. As with all Dreadnought work the groups are confidential which the young people are asked to respect, no young person is asked to discuss their personal situation in front of others.
The work undertaken focuses on looking to the future and how young people can move forward together – with no one being blamed for past situations. There will be a minimum of three and a maximum of six young people.
The groups are facilitated by a staff team member supported by a trained sessional worker and run for a minimum of six weeks, the work undertaken is specifically tailored to the needs and issues of the young people in the group.
Reintegration support and social group for students with EBSR - Emotional Based School Refusal.
The aim of our Boost Group is to support and help young people be successful in their reintegration into education.
We focus upon Self-Esteem and confidence building, Anxiety, Anger Management and Independence skills, building the resilience of the young people whilst looking at their emotional barriers to school attendance.
The way Boost works is with 1 hour one to one work leading up to a 1.5 hour daytime group, giving young people structure and enabling them to access a social group setting whilst not in school.