Read some of the stories about our young people's journey as they grew through the years of attending youth club.

A's Story:
The first time I met Luke and Katrina was when I was in Year 8. My friend C brought me to Hall Green Youth Club after school. Later on, Luke also mentored me, along with others, through an after-school club.

Some of my favourite memories from the youth club include when the plastic covers on some of the lights fell down while we were playing a sports game, and when we managed to get paper planes stuck in the ceiling beams!

The sense of community and friendship is what kept me coming back to the youth club. It has always been a judgement-free place where I could relax, have fun, and meet new people. Friendship and having fun have been really important to me at HGY because it has given me a place to spend time with friends, take part in activities, and build lifelong connections. We don't just see each other at the youth club—we also meet up at weekends to spend time together.

Through HGY, I have become much more confident and sociable. I've developed better social skills and learned to be more considerate of others because I've been around people from a wide range of backgrounds.

Luke and Katrina have helped me become more confident and more willing to join in with activities and events through their encouragement, especially when I was new to the youth club and didn't know many people.

I have made many great friendships and built strong relationships with the people at the youth club. I especially enjoy playing Just Dance on the Wii and taking part in all the different activities that are on offer.

Z's Story

The first time I started going to Youth Club was when I was at school and met Katrina and Luke. I went to HGY’s lunchtime club, where we played games, had fun and had snacks. I then started attending the Thursday youth club, where I met lots of people and made new friends. I got involved in all the activities, and through the club I met my two best friends.

When I turned 18, I stayed because I wanted to become a volunteer and help out more as I got older. The most important thing about Youth Club for me is the strong relationships I have built with the youth workers and my two best friends.

Through Youth Club, I have learned that I have become much more confident in myself. One youth worker has supported me by helping me through difficult times and guiding me to make the right decisions. My two close friends have also supported me through everything, and I am very grateful for them 

M's Story

I started secondary school and faced so many issues in Year 7, including constant bullying and struggling with grief. I then started mentoring with Mercy in May 2022, and her sessions made me feel so calm and at peace.

I then started attending the youth club regularly and became very close with Luke, Katrina, Z, and Jyoti. I loved going rock climbing—it was one of the first activities I took part in, and I even won one of the challenges! I also love going on the yearly walks and residential trips. It's such a nice time away to take my mind off everything.

Since then, I have grown. I have become more confident and have learned so many lessons along the way. I have built strong, close friendships and learned the importance of respect and making positive connections with others. I have learned to find the right company, choose the right circle, not be influenced by others, and lead by example.

Lizzie supported me with regular mentoring sessions at school during Year 9, which helped me express my feelings.
Jyoti has given me a sense of independence by helping me set up activities such as Messy Church. This has given me confidence and helped me take on more responsibility.

I became really close with A when we went on our first residential trip in 2022. Z and I have been inseparable best friends for almost two years, and I've also made lots of great memories with C on the residential trips.

C's Story
The first time I met Luke and Katrina, I was in Year 7 and I was nervous to meet them.

Hall Green Youth Club has been so much fun. We have been on lots of trips and walks, and it has really helped to build my confidence. I have met new friends and learned how to work as part of a team through all the games and activities.

I stayed at Hall Green Youth Club because I love all the laughter, jokes, and silliness we share together. It has also given me the opportunity to build new friendships and strong relationships with other people.

Since joining, I have become much more confident in myself. I have developed better teamwork skills and improved my timekeeping, which I know will help me in the future.

The leaders have always been there to support me through any issues I have faced. They are always willing to listen, give me advice, and help me make the right decisions. I have made a lot of friends here, including some very close friends who mean a lot to me.