They said

We constantly get heart-melting feedback from our young people and the nursery children they mentor. Parents and teachers also share the changes they see as the programmes progress.

The feedback is gathered and evaluated as part of our rigorous evaluation process, and used to improve our programmes’ effectiveness.

It also warms our hearts. Here is a small selection.

In the words of our young people, parents and teachers

From our young people

‘I have been really brave. I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone and improved my confidence.’

‘When the children all say goodbye, it really lets you know that us being there makes a difference.’

‘When I’m around the kids, I need to put my parent hat on.’

‘One girl who was very shy at first came over and stayed with me the most, which was awesome.’

‘It has made me feel a lot better about myself and it has made me overall happier. It has made me more confident and I feel very proud of myself.’

‘I have big dreams that I want to achieve, and I have good skills.’

‘Helping kids fills me with joy and I learnt new things about myself.’

‘Coming here makes me happy and I enjoy making the children happy and seeing their smiles.’

‘I learned that I’m a patient and gentle person with kids.’

‘I made lots of small friends.’

‘Taking part in Growing2gether made me happier and more excited to come to school.’

‘I need to believe in myself more and realise I’m capable of more than I think.’

‘Attending this has helped me learn to be more patient and how to explain things better.’

‘I am tired, definitely, but a good kind of tired where I am happy and satisfied with what I’ve achieved. These are memories I will never forget.’

‘Being in Growing2gether has helped me because when I am in a difficult situation I can think back to this and find a way to solve it.’

From parents

‘I am very proud of him and what he has done. It has helped him make the first step in his future.’

‘I see a more positive attitude towards school and activities.’

‘He felt really pleased that the children had built up a relationship with him and spoke of the delight at seeing them every week.’

‘My child had an opportunity to see the reality of being with nursery kids. She loved every Wednesday.’

‘This has made him aware of opportunities in the world.’

‘J has more patience for his younger brothers and helps me with the responsibilities when I need it.’

‘My child had an opportunity to see the reality of being with nursery kids. She loved every Wednesday.’

‘I feel proud. B has enjoyed her time with Growing2gether.’

From teachers

‘Growing2gether has been a fantastic addition to the offering we can give to our pupils.

‘It is quite unique in the way that it develops skills, encourages participation and grows self-respect and responsibility in our young people.

‘The opportunity for many of our pupils to develop a close relationship with a younger child is really quite an eye-opener.

‘They learn what it is to be respected and, from that, follows the importance of resilience and reliability.’

‘This has been the biggest positive in her education over the last 12 months.’

‘The bond that you made the first day in Nursery clearly made a deep impact on the child, who sought you out each week.’

‘She seems happier in herself, less stressed, happier and smiley.’

‘It is impressive how these young people’s sense of responsibility and duty have been enhanced. Recognising that they have achieved a qualification spurs them on to achieving more.’