Meet Lucas

East London School Outreach

Before Joining TCES Create in the Community

Lucas had low school attendance.
He was diagnosed with ADHD, general anxiety disorder and had separation anxiety.
Lucas had been participating in illegal behaviour and had been arrested previously.
Lucas was at high-risk of exploitation.
Lucas was unable to manage his emotions and was physically aggressive towards the school staff.
He found it difficult to develop friendships with his peers and often associated with older children who were involved in criminal behaviour.
Lucas was excluded from his school setting.

March 2022 – Joined TCES Create in the Community

Progression

Create in the Community created a bespoke safety and intervention plan to reduce Lucas’ risk of exploitation.
This plan included collaboration amongst staff, structured mentoring sessions, and targeted therapeutic interventions to build his resilience and awareness.
Staff provided consistent, trauma-informed support, helping Lucas develop healthy coping strategies, improve his decision-making skills, and strengthen his ability to recognise and avoid risky situations.
Lucas’ engagement with Create In The Community increased alongside his attendance.
Over time, Lucas developed positive relationships with both staff and peers. He now has a better understanding of healthy relationships and is able to maintain these himself.
Lucas received individual therapy sessions structured around coping mechanisms for anxiety and anger, as a result of this, he has developed coping strategies to manage his anxiety and communicate when angry rather than resulting in ‘lashing out’ first.
Create In The Community embedded therapeutic practices throughout his lessons which also aided to managing his anger triggers when frustration arose in lessons.
Lucas is now able to identify his emotions and regulate them, which has improved his communication in expressing his need for breaks and assistance in class.

September 2024 – Step-down to TCES East London