1-2-1 Resilience Building Programme – Supporting a Stronger You (SaSY)

What is it and who is it for?

At Square Pegs Round Holes, we recognise the importance of providing young people with a safe, supportive space to talk about the things that matter most to them. Supporting a Stronger You (SaSY) is our tailored one-to-one resilience-building programme, developed through several years of working alongside schools, young people and partner agencies, including our long-standing work with Our Lady & St Chad’s Catholic Academy.

SaSY is designed for children and young people who would benefit from additional support to help them navigate challenges in their lives. Referrals are made by schools, social workers, Local Authorities, parents and other agencies, as well as by young people themselves.

Since 2021 we have had the privilege of working with over 450 children and young people through the SaSY Programme.

What we do

SaSY is typically delivered through a minimum of six one-hour sessions in a school or community setting. The programme is flexible and person-centred, allowing each child or young person to explore the issues most relevant to them in ways that feel safe and meaningful.

Sessions focus on building resilience, developing understanding, improving self confidence, self-esteem, emotional, mental and physical wellbeing and positive decision-making. We support participants to understand their thoughts, feelings and behaviours, manage stress and anxiety, strengthen relationships and develop practical strategies for overcoming challenges. Journaling is encouraged to support reflection, capture progress and identify solutions.

Our approach is non-directive and strengths-based. Through facilitated discussions, real-life scenarios, creative activities and reflective exercises, children and young people are supported to develop their own understanding, identify solutions and build confidence in their ability to make positive choices.

SaSY is designed to complement, not duplicate, the support already available within schools and the wider community. We work closely with pastoral, safeguarding and wellbeing teams to ensure support is aligned with existing provision and responsive to identified needs. The programme bridges the gap between universal support and statutory services, providing early intervention before concerns escalate.

Regular communication with schools and relevant professionals ensures emerging needs are identified and supported through appropriate safeguarding and referral pathways. By working collaboratively, SaSY strengthens the network of support around each child and young person, helping create a more joined-up, preventative and responsive approach to improving outcomes.