Reaching Out in 2020-21

In 2020-21...

We supported We employed over

5,934 300 fantastic staff like Patrick young people like Cara “There are many reasons why people want to work for Extern. For me it was about “I turned to Extern’s Youth Engagement Service having the opportunity to really change lives after a traumatic experience in my life. From the for the better. very beginning Extern gave me a safe space to discuss my feelings; they helped me find coping So many of the people we support through mechanisms and how to understand and deal the Northern Ireland Refugee Resettlement with my triggers. Scheme have experienced trauma after fleeing conflict. They need a place of calm and The advice and support they gave me was safety to allow for self-reflection and to amazing. Now I don’t let the trauma I rebuild their lives. experienced control me and I’m less stressed and anxious in social situations. With Extern We provide a familiar, friendly face throughout it’s about the little things too – my most their resettlement, as they begin to develop special memory was when one of the team their own confidence and independence. brought me a bag of treats and some Through listening, understanding and mindfulness activities to keep me busy empathising we gain important knowledge and during lockdown. It cheered me up so much understanding of the cultural and religious when I was feeling low. practices within their communities. When I was being supported by Extern I Seeing the people we support grow and flourish always felt like I could open up in in their new lives is the most rewarding thing of confidence and express how I was feeling all, as they settle into jobs, education and without fear of being judged. They were community life. there for me when I needed them most.” That’s what makes Extern so unique and special, we see the people behind the problem, and their potential to find a better life for themselves.”

We delivered 11,339

hours of direct contact through our Early Years/Passport programme in the Western Trust area

We gave hope to 8,572 vulnerable people like Chris

“As well as being homeless, I had mental health issues, my physical health was poor and I had severe alcohol dependency and drug use.

Others may have judged me for the situation I found myself in… but not Extern. From the moment I was referred to them they supported me in every way possible.

They helped me find somewhere to live and made sure I was accessing the right services and benefits. They also helped me begin to tackle my issues with alcohol.

Every staff member I met in Extern treated me with kindness and understanding. I always have somewhere to turn when things get tough. When I am in need, they are there.”

We recruited over 50

Community Champions like Ali

“I became a volunteer after the amazing help and support I got from Extern after my son took his own life. I wanted to give something back as well as raise awareness of mental health, addiction and suicide.

My favourite thing about being a volunteer for Extern has been the lovely people I have met along the way, both service users and staff. Everyone has been amazing and the fact that I can help others is fantastic. It’s so rewarding when you can actually see people getting help and starting to live a better life and become healthier and happier.”

94%

of young people engaged in our Intensive Support Fostering project rated the quality of their relationship with Extern staff as ‘good or very good’