“Since joining SOHK’s programme I feel a lot calmer and can handle my emotions better at school and at home. I am really enjoying the rugby and would be lost without our weekly sessions.”

*Mo, aged 12, lives at home with his mother and two siblings. He tries to avoid contact with his father due to a history of physical and emotional abuse, despite relying on him financially.

The trauma Mo has endured has deeply affected his emotional well-being. He often externalises his feelings through disruptive outbursts at school, finding it difficult to manage his emotions. At his lowest points, Mo has experienced suicidal thoughts and has even attempted to take his own life. These challenges stem from the abuse he and his family have suffered at the hands of his father.

Although Mo has been seeking help from external providers, he continues to face emotional abuse and victimisation. His struggles in school escalated to throwing furniture and, at one point, assaulting a staff member. Facing the risk of exclusion, Mo joined the SOHK programme, which became a turning point in his journey.

Since joining SOHK, Mo has shown incredible resilience and commitment. He has immersed himself in the programme, finding an outlet for his anger and a break from the challenges of school. Over the past six months, he has developed a passion for rugby, demonstrating improvement on and off the field.

From the outset, Mo established trust with the SOHK delivery team, opening up about his past. With their dedicated support, he now has a personal safety strategy, to ensure he feels secure in the programme. Mo has also embraced additional support, such as weekly music therapy and joined a peer group for young people with similar experiences.

While Mo still faces challenges, including complex feelings toward his mother, whom he loves but feels let down by, he has taken significant strides forward. He now reports feeling calmer in school and is working to rebuild trust with adults. He has also identified a teacher he can confide in and looks forward to the weekly SOHK sessions, which provide a much-needed sense of community and support.

Mo’s journey to better mental health is ongoing, but his courage and determination have laid the foundation for a brighter future. With continued access to SOHK and other resources, Mo is on a path to healing and growth.

*Names have been changed to protect the identity of our beneficiary.