This week we’re sharing the story of Concrete customer Shannon*, who has been supported by our young person’s service since May 2020. 

Our young person’s service supports over 40 young people in Stoke-on-Trent. Many have had difficult starts in life and experienced lots of change and uncertainty.

At Concrete, we’re here to break that cycle of uncertainty and help them build a more concrete future. We know that everyone we support has a unique story, which means that the support they need is just as unique.

When we first met 17-year-old Shannon, she struggled with money management and attending education. She also found it hard to manage her mental health and emotions, which often resulted in her arguing with others.  

Shannon was supported by her Development Coach, who took the time to assess her needs, before putting steps in place to help her overcome her struggles.  

Development Coaches support customers in our young person’s service. They work with external agencies and partners to help customers develop the skills they need to move on and live independently.

Shannon’s Development Coach supported her with weekly shopping and helped her to create meal plans, to encourage her to budget her money and cook healthy meals.

After lots of hard work and tailored support, Shannon has started a new chapter and is living more independently in one of our community flats. After being referred to a mental health service by her Development Coach, she now finds it much easier to manage her mental health and emotions too.

Shannon is also engaging with education and has completed a training course with a local provider. She’s currently on placement to gain more work experience in administration.

At Concrete, the young people that we support mark their own path and we’re always there to guide them along the way. Thanks to the support of our amazing team of Development Coaches, young people like Shannon are taking control of their lives, making positive changes and creating concrete futures.

Find out more about our services here.

*name changed to protect identity.