Note: To keep the young person's identity confidential, we refer to them as 'F' throughout the example below. Any individuals in the header image are for illustrative purposes only and are not the subjects of this case study.
Background
F was referred to Tigers Trust through local youth outreach services due to repeated incidents of aggressive behaviour and poor emotional regulation during community sessions.
At the start of the programme, F frequently expressed himself through violent and aggressive outbursts, often becoming overwhelmed during group activities. This behaviour disrupted sessions and created barriers to his own and others’ engagement.
Exploring the Root Causes
Recognising the need for targeted support, staff introduced F to pitch-side workshops focused on violence, aggression and emotional regulation. These informal, discussion-based sessions provided a safe space for the participant to explore the root causes of his behaviour and learn alternative coping strategies.
Through consistent engagement and the development of a trusting relationship with staff, F began to reflect on his actions and their impact. He started to self-regulate, taking himself away from the group when feeling overwhelmed and proactively speaking to staff rather than reacting aggressively. Now, F consistently manages his emotions during sessions.
Growing in Confidence
He has become a positive influence on peers, encouraging others to express themselves in a respectful and constructive manner. His confidence and self-awareness have grown and he is now seen as a role model by both staff and other young people.
A staff member commented: "This young person has made incredible progress. Where he once struggled to stay in control, he now takes ownership of his emotions and supports others to do the same. His journey shows the power of creating safe spaces and trusting relationships."
Youth-Led Reflection
This case highlights the effectiveness of combining structured workshops with informal mentoring to support behaviour change. It also demonstrates the importance of staff consistency, positive role modelling and youth-led reflection in helping young people develop pro-social behaviours.
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