Jorge has been involved with our Tackle It programme from an early stage has gone on quiet the journey. He is now thriving at Uclan University, becoming very independent and working hard towards his degree.

Jorge attended our group sessions and became an integral part of the group. Jorge has also helped staff with organising day trips and activities for the group, he has become an integral part of helping to create a safe environment for young people to be comfortable to discuss the own difficulties. Towards the end of his time on tackle it, he became a mentor and role model to the younger participants.

A place on the upcoming Rams in Kenya trip 2024 has been awarded to Jorge, and we spoke to him about the upcoming trip and his time on Tackle It. Jorge said ‘’the thing I am looking forward to the most during my trip to Kenya is being able to help people less fortunate than I am, while being able to make a difference in that community. When I was told that I had a place on the trip I was very excited as the trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity.’’

Jorge also feels the tackle it programme ‘has helped me massively. Being away from home as it has taught me ways to deal with the stresses, I have been dealing with for example living alone for prolonged periods of time and being able to deal with the huge course loads that i have had to deal with while at university.’

Support for mental health is important and it’s something Jorge has noticed our programme helps with… ‘’I would tell young people that are struggling with their mental health that there are always ways to get help for whatever you need whether that would be someone to talk to or as a distraction from everyday stresses. There is always someone that will understand what you need to keep yourself and those around you safe.

The programme has helped me massively with my mental health and overall, I have become a better person, and I would highly recommend it to anyone that feels like they need the help that the tackle it programme can provide.’’

Jorge’s mum Linzi has also noticed a difference in him; ‘’The Tackle It programme gave Jorge the confidence to embrace university away from home, and you support him through some really difficult times. When selecting which university, he made sure they had support and programmes in place around mental health to reassure him in his decision.”

“Being told he had got the place [Rams in Kenya] was so surreal, it’s a once in a lifetime trip that he will gain so much from whilst supporting people whose lives are so different to his, I genuinely feel this trip is something that will shape the rest of his life. We are so grateful and proud and excited for him!”

“Without Tackle It I think Jorge would have struggled to get on top of how he was feeling and could have easily spiralled into a very dark place. Alongside this he grew in confidence, self-belief and found his interest in psychology which he is now studying at Uni.’’

We can’t wait to hear about Jorge’s experience in Kenya!

Tackle It