Sam’s story

Sam was nearing crisis point. Shouting out in class, fidgeting in lessons, struggling with friendships, angry and frustrated, this bright, sociable 10-year-old was disappearing.  

“He often described school as a "prison" and had reached a point where he had almost given up, not only on education but also on adults and his peers,’ recall his parents.  

Feeling he had no friends, that no one liked him, Sam’s love of sports, drama and drawing grew smaller as his problems escalated. 

That was before Sam started weekly sessions with TLG coach Liz. Through talking, listening, drawing and baking together, Sam felt seen, heard and valued. Sharing some of his cakes with his classmates, Sam formed new friendships. 

“You allowed him to simply be himself,” Sam’s parents told Liz. “You created a space where he felt safe enough to talk, explore his feelings, navigate friendships, and work through moments of unhappiness.”