Testimonials

Bosko Wellbeing Session

FEEDBACK FROM HAYLEY CLEMENTS

Many of our Talent Match beneficiaries struggle with their confidence and low self-esteem, as part of the support we provide on our project we help them regain some confidence and prepare for what can be a sometimes stressful world of work.

When we gave out the details of the session with Bosko some young people on Talent Match had been to counselling or been under their GP for mental health concerns, some young people on the course had never sought help for their mental health and some young people generally had low self-
esteem.

Many of the young people had fed back that traditional methods like this had not really
helped them in the past, and were seeking something different; this is where the link with Bosko had become clear. The session was fantastic- our young people were warmly welcomed by Bosko and made to feel at ease straight away as he explained his methods and practices in a way that all could understand.

Some felt apprehensive at first, but Bosko put them at ease immediately, always making sure they felt safe and supported whilst pushing them out of their own comfort zones.

The tasks were at an introductory level but did challenge our group to think differently, for example around their breathing patterns and stances, and helped them to clear their minds, plus encouraging them to work together as a team.

Some of the quieter individuals in the group were given the time and space to shine, and we saw a tangible difference by the end of the session.

Everyone in the group very much enjoyed the session, and spoke about it very positively amongst their peers at future group sessions.

They all spoke of how they felt welcomed by Bosko, and how they felt more relaxed and of a clearer mind.

Many of the young people were eager to try more, recommending the methods to their friends and family and continuing to practice in their free time.

One young man, CL said “I found it thoroughly enjoyable- I particularly enjoyed learning the stances and breathing techniques. I will use them going forward day to day”.

Another, JB said “I thought the session was really helpful for my anxiety, I will try to do the exercises every day and remember when I am feeling anxious to bring myself back in the present. “Thank you Bosko for spending your time with us.”

Case study: JB
JB is a young man who suffers with depression & anxiety, to the point where he struggles to get out the house at times.

He lives with a supportive partner, but rarely feels confident enough to do things
without them and relies on them for support in social situations.

His depression has meant he has become quite isolated over the past few years.

JB has had a bad experience with traditional
counselling, and does not feel medication works very well for him, so he decided to come to the wellness session because he wanted to start feeling better and was willing to try new things in order to do.

JB attended with an open mind but felt a bit nervous. Through careful explanation and his usual calm and reassuring manner, Bosko put him and the group at ease immediately and he was soon fully
engaged in the session.

With useful tips and supportive instructions and demonstrations, JB was able to fully participate in the group session, following all the activities and partnering up with others to help them participate too.

By the time the session was over, JB (who had had a particularly stressful morning) said he was feeling relaxed and free of worry, and was very complimentary of Bosko’s teaching style.

He said he would like to engage in further sessions, explaining how it had helped him feel more in the present and clear his mind.

He said he would prefer to pursue this way of support for this mental health than
traditional counselling, as he felt it was more accessible, practical and he felt a more tangible difference after just one session.

He continues to practice his breathing exercises and postures on a daily basis and has noted that it has helped him feel better on a foundation level.