Flag flying high for SUPPORT Mum Nicola Watts has Gosport thanked the Futures Service Team for having a positive influence on her son Henry...
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AS a family we are very close but two big changes in 2020 put us to the test: COVID-19 and dad (Nigel) deploying to the Falklands for seven months. Working from home during lockdown proved tough, the toll of online learning started to take a toll on both my children. Henry became unmotivated and lost his love of learning and reading, which is understandable given the situation. As a service family Henry and my daughter were offered a place at Spring Garden Lane in the summer where they did face to face learning. The subject matter was engaging (Covid and its impact) and they both
The Service Team is helping Nicola Watts and her family during a difficult time while her husband Nigel — pictured with son Henry — is deployed in the Falklands Islands. thrived from having a purpose to learn, a routine and a chance to see others. Henry has now been working with Alex Page since January and again is thriving in the small group environment. His dad deployed in October until May, which was a bit of a shock as he hadn’t been away for a long time. Henry was affected the most; he was feeling
low, missing his Dad and his friends. But Alex has really helped him and has been a great influence on him, we are very grateful for that. Henry is even considering becoming vegan because of Alex’s positive influence. Having positive interaction from a male role model has helped Henry to get through this second lockdown and has eased the time away from his dad.
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Helping heroes and their families really rocks In a previous life Alex Page was a punk rock drummer working with some of the biggest names in the industry including legends The Damned. In a colourful career Alex (pictured) has also worked as a boxing coach and music tutor but his true passion lies in getting the lives of young people back on track. His new role at the GFM is focusing on building confidence and resilience among a group of harder to reach students. In a post-Covid world, his role will become more dynamic; taking students out into the community, exposing them to different career paths and engaging with learners through a multitude of activities. Our blended learning approach allows
students to work in their own time and their own pace. It includes a combination of face-to-face learning, physical activities and dynamic online digital activities. Research shows that being part of a military family can increase the risk of isolation and create barriers to moving onto higher education and employment. This is why the GFM have created its own unique “whole family approach” to working
with Service families. Alex, who also has a marine and maritime background, said: “It is my aim to continue making an impact on people’s lives using my coaching techniques, working with those who may be disengaged with normal day-to-day life and help build confidence, respect and resilience.” Thanks to our funding partners The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC). Through our relationship we have formed partnerships with Aggies, who will support the Play and Stay sessions launching in Spring, and Solent MIND for their support.
GFM Gosport Futures Spring 2021
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