Providing inspiration across generations

And Families We Support Were Not Left Behind During This Challenging Year

Throughout 2021-22 our Young People and Families services experienced an increase in demand and in referrals, with most projects managing a waiting list.

The impact of lockdown invariably had an adverse effect on some of our most vulnerable young people, and statistics published during the year on children’s social care in Northern Ireland showed an increase in the number of young people entering into care.

Overall, the number of looked after children in Northern Ireland has risen by 41% in the last ten years, and in March 2021 was 4% higher than at the same time the previous year. This increase at a regional level inevitably put pressure on our organisational services with an increase in demand across all Trust areas.

A reduction in the number of foster care placements and the availability of short breaks due to Covid restrictions also placed additional strain on our most vulnerable young people.

Staff quickly adapted to the challenges of Covid restrictions by ‘upskilling’ themselves with technology and creating a blended programme of online and faceto-face services designed to meet the needs of our young

As Covid restrictions were lifted, our services saw a rise in the level and complexity of need displayed in our young people. In particular, there was an increased need for support in the area of mental health, with social anxiety and self-harm particularly prevalent.

Each young person was provided with a tailored support package which was co-designed through the use of the Outcomes Star tool, with their individual progress being fully measured and celebrated. Young people transitioning from our services also did so through a structured exit plan which identified further support and signposting to enable them to continue on their individual pathway.

I was referred to Extern’s FACES project at the age of 11 along with my siblings. We had just started a fostering placement, so this was to help us to settle into our new situation and get some extra support.

A few years later I joined the Pathways project to complete my education, and gained a range of qualifications including English, Maths and ICT.

As my journey with Extern progressed I was given a mentor to work alongside and they helped me look at the options I had. I decided to return to my former school and I am now starting to do my A-Levels. I even did work experience in the summer alongside the Extern staff which really boosted my confidence!

Throughout my time with Extern I struggled with my mental health and other issues I was facing in my family. But every time I needed help and support Extern were there to help and provide a listening ear.

Extern has given me so many special memories and allowed me to try new things in a safe environment. Working with Extern was a brilliant opportunity and helped me through some hard times in my teenage years.

David,