University of Plymouth
5th January 2022
There can be little doubt that WGC is a successful innovation and has been a useful addition to Cornwall’s ability to deal with the problems of youth offending.
White Gold was asked to work with a young 12-year-old lad who had significant issues in being in a school environment. This was partly because of a deep-seated anxiety of coping in groups with other young people. It was also because of his sensitive and shy nature, which at times was extreme. The situation was further impacted by issues that had, in the past, taken place in his personal and home life. As a result, it was eventually found out that him being based at his grandparents was the best thing for him.
John is 18 years old. He had lost both parents by the age of 15. He lives with his sister, her partner and niece. Loss of parents affected his mental health with suicidal and depressive thoughts and feelings. He would use weed as a coping mechanism. He did have a school counsellor in year 11.
James suffered mental, physical and sexual abuse in the family home from an early age until the age of 7 and was placed into the care of his grandmother. He had a deep distrust of people other than his immediate family and if introduced to someone he did not know he would run away and hide. He was excluded from primary school for aggressive behaviour and had not attended school for approximately 18 months when White Gold Cornwall was asked to provide support.
