Jacob's Story
Background
Jacob is 14 years old. He has lived in different care arrangements over the years, including foster care, before returning home to live with his mum, two brothers and two sisters. Jacob's family have moved around frequently, which has created instability for him. At school, Jacob was quiet and often withdrawn. His attendance was inconsistent, and this, combined with the challenges of moving schools and homes, meant he struggled to achieve academically. Jacob also found it difficult to form and sustain friendships.
Alongside these challenges, Jacob is a young carer. He worries a lot about his mum's wellbeing, and these responsibilities often take priority over his education, social life, and participation in activities.
Intervention
Marc began working with Jacob in January 2025. Rather than starting from scratch, Marc built on the trusting relationships Jacob already had - with Claire, the care-experienced lead in Jacob's school, and with the Champions Board team. Jacob already engaged in Claire's weekly cooking group, and Marc supported him to take part in Champions Board lunchtime drop-ins and a Thursday evening group.
Marc recognised the importance of giving Jacob choice and control. He focused on building trust at Jacob's pace, whether through walks, time spent at the "cage" playing football during the Easter holidays, or through regular house visits where Marc also built a supportive relationship with Jacob's mum. This whole-family approach helped Marc understand the wider context and what support would benefit everyone.
Key areas of support included:
- Encouraging positive routines, especially sleep hygiene.
- Creating safe spaces for Jacob to talk and offload worries.
- Helping Jacob engage in regular teenage activities with peers.
- Ensuring Jacob didn't need to re-tell his story multiple times by collaborating with colleagues and sharing information appropriately.
- Supporting Jacob's participation in school, community and wider opportunities.
Activities & Participation
Through his work with Marc, Jacob has been supported to take part in a wide range of activities he might not have accessed otherwise:
- Champions Board CE&YC residential
- Welfare Officers residential
- Summer programme activities
- Weekly Champions Board drop-ins and evening groups
- Cooking group in school
- Football and outdoor activities
These experiences have given Jacob a chance to enjoy "normal teenage adventures," to try new things, and to form friendships in new peer groups.
Impact
Over the last nine months, Jacob's participation in both school and community life has increased significantly. He is more engaged with activities, more confident in trying new things, and has begun to build trusting friendships. Importantly, Jacob has had opportunities to step outside of his caring role and simply enjoy being a teenager.
Themes in Marc's Work with Jacob
- Building and sustaining trusting relationships.
- Supporting whole family needs as well as Jacob's individual needs.
- Reducing the burden of re-telling Jacob's story by collaborating with colleagues.
- Encouraging participation in everyday teenage activities.
- Creating opportunities for Jacob to access new experiences and peer groups.
Reflection
Jacob's story highlights the difference consistent, relationship-based support can make. By working alongside Jacob, his family, and trusted adults in his school, Marc has been able to help Jacob feel more included, more confident, and better supported to balance his responsibilities with opportunities to enjoy his teenage years.
Mum's Comments 'You are an amazing person who can rise to a challenge when faced with one and Jacob loved having you around'
