Motiv8

Positive change starts with a trusted relationship 💙

Last quarter, Motiv8 delivered 258 Youth Mentoring sessions to young people across Fareham, Gosport, Havant and Portsmouth. Through Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire & Isle of Wight funded Youth Mentoring, we supported young people facing challenges linked to exploitation, antisocial behaviour, offending, poor emotional wellbeing, social isolation and disengagement from education.

Our support is tailored to each young person's needs, whether that's building confidence, improving emotional wellbeing, developing positive coping strategies, increasing school engagement or reducing vulnerability to harm.

One young person referred to our service was experiencing social isolation, low confidence, past trauma and concerns around potential exploitation. Through consistent Youth Mentoring and a trusted relationship with their Youth Support Worker, they developed greater confidence, improved emotional resilience and became better connected to positive support networks.

Because when young people feel heard, supported and understood, positive change becomes possible 💙

From meeting new friends at The Donkey Sanctuary to reaching new heights on the climbing wall, it's been a summer packed full of opportunities, new experiences and plenty of fun for young people across Gosport, Fareham, Havant and Portsmouth 💙

Across our sessions, young people have explored their creativity through tote bag design, tie-dye projects, street dance and art workshops. They've built practical life skills through healthy meal preparation and bike maintenance, developed teamwork through games and football, and stepped outside their comfort zones to try something new.

Every activity plays a part in helping young people grow in confidence, develop new skills, strengthen wellbeing and build positive connections within their communities.

Here's a look back at just some of the moments that have made this summer this special so far 💙☀️

Hampshire County Council Best Start in Life Department for Education Connect4Communities - Hampshire County Council Gosport Borough Council Portsmouth City Council

💙✨ Feedback Friday ✨💙

Our recent Kick Start Programme was a huge success, with over 100 young people engaged, many of whom were completely new to Motiv8.

Throughout the programme, young people took part in discussions and activities covering important topics including discrimination, stereotyping, racism, misogyny, knife crime, drugs and alcohol, sexual health, and healthy relationships. Most importantly, we saw confidence grow, friendships form, and trusted relationships built with our team.

💬 Here's what some of the young people had to say:

"This programme has been the most fun thing I have done."
"There is nothing I would change about the course."
"I have really enjoyed the topics from the sessions."
"I really enjoyed having a celebration day as the final day."

We're incredibly proud of every young person that took part. Thank you to everything who made the programme such a success 💙

Fareham Leisure Centre K1 Kickboxing Academy - K1KA Fareham College

Every referral represents a young person who may be at risk without the right support.

Across Fareham, Gosport, Havant and Portsmouth, we support young people facing challenges linked to criminal and peer exploitation, antisocial behaviour, offending, poor school attendance, low confidence, emotional wellbeing difficulties, social isolation and family conflict.

Through Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire & Isle of Wight funded Youth Mentoring, we work alongside young people before issues escalate, helping them, make positive choices, stay engaged in education and reduce risks that can impact their future.

Because early intervention doesn't just change outcomes for young people. It helps create safer communities for everyone 💙

Youth work isn't about fixing young people.

It's about creating spaces where young people feel safe enough to be honest.

When a young person knows there is a trusted adult who keeps turning up, remembers what matters to them and genuinely cares, something powerful happens.

They begin to talk.

At Motiv8, trusted relationships come first.

Because every young person deserves to feel seen, heard and valued 💙

We love being part of such a generous and supportive community, and today we're shining a spotlight on Cadan and his 4-year-old chocolate Labrador, Milo! 💙

Later this month, this incredible duo will be taking on the challenge of walking 120km around the Isle of Wight Coastal Path, all in support of Motiv8.

At Motiv8, real change takes commitment, perseverance, and resilience. Our teams work alongside young people for as long as it takes, helping them build the confidence and strength to overcome life's challenges. In many ways, Cadan and Milo's journey reflects that same spirit of determination and resilience that sits at the heart of everything we do.

We're blown away by the support they've already received, with more than £1,600 raised so far! 🎉 We can't wait to follow their adventure, see the photos, and hear all about their experience once they've completed the walk.

A huge thank you to Cadan, Milo, and everyone who has donated. Your support helps make positive change happen for young people in our local community every day 💙

Want to support their challenge? You'll find the donation link here ⬇️

https://www.gofundme.com/f/sponsor-milo-and-me-to-walk-the-isle-of-white-coastal-path?attribution_id=sl:6bbc2587-1c28-4148-a6aa-64523baef720&lang=en_GB&ts=1779788897&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=amp20_control&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=qr_code

A young person arrived at a session carrying far more than anyone realised.

At first, they talked about school.
Then friendships.
Then home.

Eventually, they spoke about what was really going on.
Because there was trust.
Because someone listened.
Because there was time to build a relationship.

Motiv8 Youth Support Workers worked alongside school, family, health services and other professionals to help the young person access support when they needed it most.

Sometimes safeguarding starts with a conversation 💙

Not every young person who is struggling asks for help. Sometimes it looks like withdrawal. Sometimes it looks like anger. Sometimes it looks like silence.

During just one quarter, 1 in every 5 safeguarding concerns raised by Motiv8 involved self-harm, making it the most common safeguarding issue seen across our services.
Behind every number is a young person trying to cope with feelings they don't yet have the words for.

At Motiv8, we create safe spaces where young people can talk openly without judgement, and trust that someone is really listening 💙