Male case study for GMP – March 2024 – names and images changed

“At age 24, Andrew, a care-experienced young person, was living independently in his own flat but struggling with accumulated rubbish, lack of cleaning and hygiene. He had been affected by Covid and the lockdowns, and was experiencing significant social anxiety and depression. In his younger years, he’d had several adverse childhood experiences and been removed from his family home at a young age. He had been, and still was, at risk of exploitation.

Andrew was interested in having a mentor so he could try new things, build his confidence, and get out into the community more. He was matched with Mary, a retired medical professional.

Initially, Andrew and Mary met regularly for refreshments in a local cafe, and Mary sensitively supported Andrew to speak with the staff and order drinks. This was a significant step forward for him as he’d been finding social settings difficult, regularly leaving queues in GP surgeries, pharmacies and so on because he felt unable to talk to staff.

Over time, and as trust continued to build, Andrew and Mary began to venture further afield for some of their meet-ups. They visited a local museum as Andrew was fascinated by science. Then agreed on a big day out to the Science Museum in London. And with Mary’s support and encouragement, Andrew purchased online bus tickets, used the Underground ticket machines, and paid for their refreshments.

Andrew expressed a growing feeling of confidence and, in time, felt able to attend a Prince’s Trust course. By then, he and Mary had already been discussing the ending of their mentoring relationship. They decided their final meeting should be another big day out and, inspired by a model making activity they’d done together, they went the Tank Museum in Dorset and both really enjoyed it.