We checked in with our Sanctuary Supported Living Basildon’s programme to see the difference the programme made in Alfie's life. With hopes of living independently, he explains how the physical and team-building activities gave him a reason to leave the flat and refuelled his love for socialising.

Christopher was nominated to take part in the AQA Unlocking Potential programme in 2021/22 because of his attendance and punctuality at school, and was partnered with Athlete Mentor Hannah Beharry, a former British champion boxer.

Shaping Futures- Summer with Sanctuary-Supported Living

I liked that I could pick who I wanted to work with and after seeing Henry’s video I knew I wanted to work with him.

It was good to focus on what I could do, like swimming or upper body work at the gym, rather than what I couldn’t.

Working with Jenna has made me more confident in myself and my ideas, and given me an increased sense of self belief.

I met James and my confidence just went zoom! I’m more than happy with the progress I’ve made.

Get on Track has had a really good impact - I’ve got loads more confidence now than I had at the start of the programme.

Now the programme is nearing an end, I feel my mental health has improved, I exercise more and I feel a bit wiser.

Attending Get on Track and having Kelvin as a mentor has been fantastic. Mentally I’m so much more positive now.

Following Get on Track and working with my athlete mentors, I truly look at my life in a more positive way now.

Get on Track has helped me to think more positively, eat more healthily and work on my fitness and wellbeing.

No matter where you come from, you can do anything you put your mind to and there shouldn’t be any barriers to that.

Working with my athlete mentor Claire has given me confidence and taught me that I can achieve what I want to achieve.

We’ve learned loads of new stuff on On Track to Achieve and my behaviour at school has got better.

Tahlia gained confidence and new skills working with her athlete mentors on getting on Track for Employability.

Before I started the programme, life wasn’t the best but I would highly recommend Get on Track to anyone.

Before Get on Track, I wasn’t really doing much at all, this opportunity came up and it was too good to turn down.

I’ve learned so much in the last six months. I’ve developed leadership skills, I’m more confident and I’m fitter.

Overall Get on Track has helped me a lot with my mental wellbeing, it’s given me a platform to move on from for the future.

If someone was to ask me about the programme, I would definitely recommend they do it.

My leadership skills have definitely improved as a result of this programme, it has also helped with my confidence.

I’m also a lot more active now. I’ve joined the local gym and signed up with a personal trainer.

Get on Track has definitely helped me come out of my shell and helped me take life on in a different way

Over the course of the programme, I feel like I’ve grown up and matured. I’m in a much better place now.

I’d really recommend this programme to other people. It’s been a really good life experience.

I would recommend this programme 100%. If you’ve thought about joining you should totally go for it!

It was really great working with Hannah, it was great having her as a team leader and a coach

If someone was thinking about doing this programme next year, I’d say go for it, it will give you confidence.

I’ve learned how to speak better, become more confident and we’ve all learned loads over the last six months. 

It really boosts your confidence, helps you get active and helps you think about things you might not normally do.

I’d definitely recommend this course to someone else at college, it’s been really fun and helps to keep you going.

I’d totally recommend Get on Track. I’m way more active now and much more confident in talking to other people.

The programme has been brilliant, it’s been really beneficial and given me something to look forward to every week.

I’d definitely recommend this programme to other people because you learn loads of stuff and it’s inspiring.

Attending AQA Unlocking Potential gave me the confidence and motivation to get on the path to my dream job. 

Now that I’m doing more exercise, I just feel more energised each day and it’s really helped with my confidence.

I’d really recommend the programme. It’s helped me gain confidence and if you’re shy like me, it’ll help with that!

Over the last year this programme really gave me something to look forward to, it’s given me a purpose in life.

The support you get is great - you can get whatever you want if put your mind to it and if you put the effort in.

I’m feeling a lot more positive about the future and excited for the opportunities ahead.

You just change the way you think and you believe in yourself.It's just been a life change.  

It improved my confidence so much, helped me to become more active and opened lots of new doors for me.

Before Get on Track started, I would stay at home, I didn’t have anywhere to go. I had lots of anxiety about going out.

When I’m doing stuff, I feel better in myself - getting back to activity I know will help my mood. 

I’d 100% recommend this programme to anyone. I’ve been learning new skills and it helps to get you a job

I would really recommend this programme because it helps with your confidence and get you active.

I’d definitely recommend this programme as I can keep active now and I don’t feel embarrassed about it like I did before. 

My advice to anyone doing Get on Track is to just put yourself out there. The athletes are always there to support you.

I’ve been able to give a little bit more of myself, better myself and make more positive decisions about my life.

As a result of Get on Track my confidence has definitely gone up as has my self-esteem.