Our Youth & Family Coordinator Nicola supported Alfie to increase his confidence and attend school, using a common interest in chess to ignite his passion for the game and build a support network.
We started supporting Alfie in November, providing regular sessions with our Youth & Family Coordinator Nicola as part of our Positive Transitions service. Alfie was referred to us with the aim of helping him to attend and engage with school.
A common interest
At first Nicola visited Alfie at home, with short visits to ease him into the service. Initially he was very apprehensive and shy, but the pair soon found a shared passion for chess, and this became the a foundation on which their support and relationship was built.
They soon went from one game of chess per session, to two games, to three, setting the backdrop to many a conversation about Alfie’s daily life, experiences and also his worries at school.
Back to school
With Nicola’s support, Alfie became more confident around the idea of school, and began to attend school when greeted at the door by Nicola.
Alfie and Nicola continued their sessions, this time at school, and often visited by teachers, allowing Alfie to building relationships and a support network that included teachers and school staff. Because of this network, he began to go to school without Nicola.
Alfie is now attending school regularly, and his goal is to attend the school chess club!
Making our support possible
We're proud to provide this type of support to children, young people and families in Edinburgh and the Lothians, and we couldn't do it without the amazing work of our Positive Transitions team, as well as the support of our donors and funders.
This year, we're offering free places to take part in the Kiltwalk, a fantastic opportunity to raise money for our services like Positive Transitions. There’s something for everyone, and the short 5-mile Wee Wander in particular, is great for families with children for a great day out for all the family. Your participation could help us support more people like Alfie as they transition from primary to secondary school.