Meet Gemma
Building confidence and trying new things
11-year-old Gemma lives in Woking with her mum, dad and brother and travels into Hammersmith each day for school. She enjoys creative activities like art and reading, as well as playing board games and computer games with friends and family. She also spends time visiting her older sister who has ADHD and lives with their grandmother, helping her with small everyday tasks and keeping her company. Recently they have been selling clothes on Vinted and Gemma has enjoyed helping with this.
Gemma joined Honeypot for a Health and Wellbeing (SEAL) Break in February this year after being referred through her school. At school, Gemma sometimes finds English and spelling challenging, which can affect her confidence in speaking up in class or working with others. Before arriving at Honeypot, she also felt a little nervous about coming away from home and meeting new people.
During the week, she quickly settled into the programme and enjoyed taking part in a wide range of activities designed to build confidence, encourage teamwork and support emotional wellbeing. These included creative activities such as making a “Worry Monster” to help children express their feelings, creating “Happy Jars” to capture positive moments, and working together on a collaborative Civilisation Project.
A chance to breathe at honeypot
The group also enjoyed some lovely outdoor experiences, including a visit to New Forest Wildlife Park, which was a highlight of the week for Gemma, who dreams of becoming a vet because of her love of animals.
The break gave the children a chance to experience new things – like cooking together – a firm favourite for Gemma. She particularly enjoyed learning how to make pizzas for the first time and said she is excited to help cook more meals back at home with her family.
By the end of the break, Gemma felt much more confident about talking with others and making new friends. Taking part in group activities and sharing ideas with other children helped her feel more comfortable speaking up and working as part of a team.
Gemma at Honeypot House, Hampshire, with her Civilisation Project
Reflecting on the experience, she said the activities that brought her the most joy were working with others on building the Civilisation Project, which helped her develop friendships while working together as a team.
The break also gave Gemma the chance to relax, try new things and develop her confidence in a supportive environment – something she says she would love to experience again.
Mum, Natasha said: “Since returning from the short break, we have found Gemma to be more confident in herself and she is much more willing to talk to people. She is also more excited about starting secondary school next year.”
“It’s been such good fun. I would really like to come back to Honeypot again.”
Thanks to support from The John Lyon’s Charity, children like Gemma are able to take part in our Health and Wellbeing (SEAL) Breaks, helping them build confidence, develop new skills and return home feeling happier and more positive.
Help us support more children like Gemma to experience a confidence building break.