Richard Luscombe Following a referral from the Youth Offending Team, we look at the story of Travis James and the success of our PL Kicks Targeted programme. From reserved, disinterested, and involved in anti-social behaviour, to a confident young man with direction who wants to inspire others.
Travis was referred to the Trust in 2021 by the Youth Offending Team following involvement in anti-social behaviour. The 16-year-old was experiencing issues with friendship groups, lack of attendance at school, low self-esteem, and poor eating habits.
Travis was introduced to Trust Targeted Youth Mentor Kadus Smith as part of the PL Kicks Targeted – Breaking the Cycle programme, funded by BBC Children in Need. The programme identifies local young people who are at risk of becoming young offenders, and/or those that have suffered from adverse childhood experiences and refers them for one-to-one mentoring at a vital point in their lives. Through regular contact and engagement, individual development plans can be developed to help build pathways for young people who face additional challenges in their development.
On the first meeting, Travis was observed to be very reserved and low in confidence. It was quickly established that he would rather watch others than do things himself, didn’t like trying new things and was quiet when meeting new people – including Kadus.
Kadus forged links with Travis’s old school, working closely with the team to better understand Travis, his journey, needs, and behaviours and look at ways for him to become more engaged. These meetings uncovered vital insight into Travis – mainly that he preferred to be engaged physically and preferred tasks that involved using his hands. This would form the basis of the development plan.
Kadus said: “The biggest thing we wanted to work on was getting Travis’s confidence up.”
The programme started with reflection sessions, cooking workshops, and playing sports, pool, and FIFA. During this time Kadus continued to work closely with the school. The intention was to find out what he enjoyed and create a safe space where he felt comfortable sharing.
Kadus explains: “There’s a place called Picquet Barracks in Devonport which focuses on trade work. Travis went there and flourished!”
Travis explains: “I was quite out there but quiet to new people. I didn’t really want to do new things. I wanted to do something a bit more hands-on, so I started with bricklaying.”
Picquet Barracks, part of City College Plymouth, allowed Travis to follow his passion. He quickly found he enjoyed and had an aptitude for trade work. The course enabled Travis to attain his Level 1 Bricklaying qualification, a huge step in developing his future pathway.
As the programme continued, it was discovered that Travis had an interest in boxing. Early in 2022 Kadus introduced Travis to Darren Townley, Head Coach at Legends Boxing Gym in Plymstock. Travis discovered a fantastic new hobby that allowed him to thrive. Sessions at the gym tested his resilience, by challenging him on all levels. He passed with flying colours and quickly developed a talent for the sport.
Darren Townley, Legends Boxing Gym Head Coach said: “When Travis first came in, he was a real shy young lad, very reluctant to open up. Boxing is really bringing him out of his shell and allowing him to become a lot more confident.”
Travis flourished so much during his time in the gym he began talking about competing.
Darren adds: “He really enjoys it and is getting skilful now. I don’t think competing is out of the question. I would like to see him compete eventually. He needs to keep up that dedication like he’s doing. He’s training at home, putting his runs in. He’s doing well.”
Travis has enjoyed his new hobby: “It has put my mind to something better and more useful than other things.”
With the programme nearing completion, the impact and successes are heart-warming. Travis has stayed out of criminal activity, started eating more frequently, is more mindful of his actions, and has started his Level 3 Bricklaying course, as well as continuing in his new hobby.
Kadus adds: “I’m super proud of him. One thing I say with anyone is that it comes down to that young person. They have to be the ones to want to shape their own future. They have to be the ones to push themselves. Travis has embodied that. I’m very excited to see what the next few years have for him. At the same time, I’m very happy to see him being a lot more confident as well as wanting to inspire people around him.”
Travis is eternally grateful to the programme, and especially Kadus and Darren for their efforts in turning his life around: “It’s brought out a lot in me. I used to be quite quiet and didn’t enjoy speaking to new people. It has given me a clear pathway and mindset.
“Kadus has helped me out in many ways – doing the sessions, helping me out in myself, trying new things and hobbies.
“Thank you Kadus, Darren, and Argyle Community Trust for helping me move forward, learning new things, and putting time into me.”
In the 2021/22 season the Trust, through the PL Kicks Targeted programme, helped the life chances of 20 young people, holding over 207 hours of sessions.
Find out more about the work of the Trust at https://argylecommunitytrust.co.uk/.
For more details on our Community Engagement work, email the Trust’s Head of Community Engagement, daniel.hart@pafc.co.uk.
